IT firm invests £1m in sales talent
IT services firm ANS Group has invested more than £1m in a new division to help it achieve its ambitious growth targets.
Manchester-based ANS said the Sales Academy highlights ANS’s commitment to the training and development of young people in the workforce and will create 36 new jobs for graduates over the next three years. Six graduates are already in place.
The Sales Academy will see the team embark on an intensive two year programme before they progress to become a fully fledged member of the sales team.
They will then be given the responsibility of managing large accounts and making deals in excess of £1m a year.
The Sales Academy is headed up by the newly appointed head of mid-market, Rob Grimshaw, who joins from Calyx Managed Services.
He said: “The role and reputation of the sales profession has been de-valued over the last few years and we want to bring back pride in the profession. Selling shouldn’t have negative connotations associated with it, it is the engine room of any successful business and this investment will help us cultivate the leaders of the future.”
The managed services provider was listed in this year’s Sunday BDO Profit Track 100 having grown profits to an average of £47m turnover in 2014. ANS see the investment in the sales academy as the key to achieving its ambitious turnover targets.
Paul Sweeney CEO at ANS Group, said “There is a real skills shortage in sales currently and we want to address that head on. By nurturing young talent we can help shape the next generation and control our own destiny. The best salespeople are those who know the organisation and products inside out, by growing knowledgeable people we can grow revenue.”
Founded in 1996, ANS Group is a fast growing managed and hybrid cloud service provider, which also has a LOndon office.
ANS has more than 600 customers spread across the public and private sectors, having delivered managed infrastructure, workspace and protection services to organisations including Guy’s & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, Salford City Council, Kennedys, Liverpool Airport, the University of Cumbria and Skipton Building Society, Bruntwood and WDS, a Xerox company.
