Travel retail staffing and experiential specialist Blackjack Promotions is investing in a new ‘Centre of Excellence’ that will serve as a training and meeting hub for staff, clients and brands. It is part of a 15,000sq ft development near London Heathrow Airport.
The training and development venture, which will open in early 2020, will include three training and two meeting rooms, all equipped with the latest technology. They will be co-located with new warehousing facilities.
Training investment: Blackjack Promotions’ Centre of Excellence will be a key staff development facility
Blackjack Promotions, which is part of ABM Aviation company Omniserv, said the aim of the Centre of Excellence is to provide an adaptable and conveniently located space where Blackjack staff can receive high quality training, and meet with clients and brands to share ideas and experiences.
The company has also invested in a new, integrated warehouse management system – a bespoke inventory management tool that can be accessed by clients directly, allowing full visibility to their inventory and the ability to order online.
Blackjack Promotions Managing Director Jason Miles said the new facility will allow his company to grow its service portfolio
Blackjack Promotions Managing Director Jason Miles said: “This is a total step change for Blackjack. The Centre of Excellence will be dedicated to developing our staff, while also increasing the support and services we can offer to the clients and brands we work with.
“By bringing everyone together under one roof, we will be well placed to share learning, streamline our logistics and continue to grow our contribution to the travel retail sector.”
Miles added that the new development will be focused on a number of changes to help Blackjack deliver on its sustainability plans, including the use of renewable energy and a reduction in plastic usage.
The announcement follows the appointment of David Wheeler as OmniServ and Blackjack’s new Head of Learning & Development. He said: “The centre will be used for induction training for new colleagues, by apprenticeship providers to develop our people’s existing skills on accredited programmes, and also the development of our supervisors, team leaders and first line managers in a focused and professional environment.
“While some organisations may talk about investing in learning and development, our Centre of Excellence is proof positive.”
Originally posted Moodie Davitt Report | 27 Sept 2019