Complete success for 'Complete Cotton'…

05 Jun '09

3 min read

20 delegates from across the globe came together in Liverpool, UK - the 'original city of cotton' - on 11 May 2009 to take part in the ICA's annual international cotton training programme -'Complete Cotton.'

"The ICA training programme is always popular and successful and this year was no exception,” explains Lisa Stratford, a cotton trader from Plexus Cotton & Chair of the ICA Training Committee. “The overall assessment of the programme achieved a 100 per cent positive response from the delegates - with 65 per cent scoring 'good' and 35 per cent scoring 'excellent.' Not only did the delegates increase their practical and theoretical knowledge, they got the opportunity to network, share best practice and make some life-long friends in the industry.”

Specially developed for industry professionals the training provided the delegates with a unique opportunity to learn about the complexities of the cotton industry from some of the world's leading professionals. Over a two-week period Complete Cotton delivered an insight into every aspect of the raw cotton trade. The training focused on key areas such as arbitration, contract law, risk management and control - with 34 tailored modules, delivered by 31 presenters.

During the programme, the delegates got the chance to unwind, network and take in the sights of Liverpool. They attended a number of specially sponsored social events, including dinner at a restaurant in Liverpool's historic waterfront - now a World Heritage Site and a visit to Anfield, home to Liverpool Football Club - five times European Cup Winners.

Many of the delegates also took the opportunity to sit the ICA Arbitrator Training Course and Exam (Basic Level 1), the cost of which is included in the training programme - as is one years' subscription for ICA individual membership.

Kai Hughes, ICA Managing Director adds: “Over the years, this training has provided an excellent grounding for many of today's leaders and influential players in the cotton world.The benefits are far reaching. Not only do the delegates gain access to training and networking opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible, they transfer the learning back home to help make a positive impact within their own workplace and community. This has a knock-on effect for the industry as a whole - helping to boost trade, growth and promote good trading practice.

“We want to pass on our sincere thanks to the delegates for their input and for their feedback, which we'll be using to help shape future training events. We'd also like to pass on our thanks to the training presenters - who flew in from all over the world to give their time, to the Training Committee for their valuable contribution and to the social event sponsors - Louis Dreyfus Commodities Suisse SA, Cargill Cotton, SGS, Plexus Cotton, Olam International and Wakefield Inspection Services."

Here's what some of the delegates had to say:
• Learnt a lot…especially on trading, futures and options and risk management…Really enjoyed it…. I also liked the arbitration section. I've also met many friends coming from the global cotton industry
• Although already working in the cotton business for two years, I have a much better idea about the Rules and why it is so important in having a good written contract
• I'm new in the cotton world…all the presentations have been good for my career development
• I came into the programme with only a notion of how the cotton trading industry worked. After the course I feel that I understand the major elements involved…and have resources and networks that will allow me to explore many of the various topics in more depth.

International Cotton Association

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