CCR Magazine

Leading credit and business information provider, Equifax, is putting an even greater focus on the challenges facing the credit management industry in 2010 with a new sponsorship agreement with the Institute of Credit Management (ICM). 

The new agreement builds on the relationship Equifax already has as Prize Sponsors for Advanced Credit Management, within ICM Education. Under the new agreement, Equifax will support ICM regional roadshows around the UK, as well as sponsoring one of the annual ICM awards.

“Credit managers in a broad range of consumer-facing and business to business sectors continue to face some real challenges”, confirmed Nic Beishon, Head of Equifax Commercial Information Solutions.   “It must, therefore, be some comfort for them to know that there is a professional association that has their interests at heart and which is tackling the issues that affect them by being their voice in lobbying government and other relevant organisations as well as furthering personal development in the sector. 

“The ICM plays an absolutely crucial role in helping credit management professionals identify ways to tackle their business challenges.  And we believe our extended relationship – particularly in supporting the regional roadshows planned for this year – will provide them with even greater access to the knowledge and expertise they need.

“In particular, Equifax will play a key role in providing practical advice and information on the issues surrounding credit granting. We will also be focusing on the importance of improving access to information and improving the quality and relevance of data to ensure the market prospers. We are very excited about this new partnership and look forward to working closely with the ICM.”

The ICM is the largest professional credit management organisation in Europe. It represents the credit profession across trade, consumer and export credit, as well as in related activities such as collections, credit reporting, credit insurance and insolvency. The new sponsorship deal with Equifax includes main sponsorship at six ICM Regional Roadshows throughout 2010, where Equifax specialists will be present.  Equifax will also sponsor the ICM Newcomer of the Year Award and continue as prize sponsors for Advanced Credit Management in the ICM professional qualification.

Philip King, Chief Executive of the ICM, believes that the new agreement is one of the most significant sponsorship packages of the last decade: “It represents a major commitment that will result in mutual benefit for Equifax and our Members,” he says. “It is important to work with prominent players to bring the credit industry the support and professional advice it needs in this difficult economic climate, and I look forward to working closely in partnership with Equifax over the next 12 months.”

(Source - Equifax Press Release)