Get Ahead, May 18, 2008 The Sunday Times

Study money and get a lot of credit

Whether you are the owner of a business or an executive in a hurry for promotion, a finance course can be a great help, writes Steve Farrar of the Sunday Times.

For all these reasons, finance for non-financial managers is a perennially popular training course for those who have their sights set on a successful career.

Steve White, 36, the managing director of Pukka Communications, a Leeds-based graphic design and marketing company, realised that he needed to take the plunge five years after founding his company. He was reliant on the support of an accountant and bookkeeper to drive his expanding business forward.

“Five years ago, when I had a set of accounts put in front of me, all I understood was that I wanted to make a profit.” he said. “But later, I wanted to get more involved in the mechanics of my company.”

A £350 one-day course last November run by Ripley Training helped White to translate and understand his accounts.

“I can now drill down into the figures and start to forecast and plan,” said White. “I can make decisions much faster and hence be more competitive. This course has made a fundamental difference to me.”

Mike Smith, managing director of Ripley Training said: “Most people hate finance. But an understanding of cash flow and how the business actually works gives them a much closer handle on their business and not just their own specialist area.”

Upto 500 people will attend finance for non-financial managers’ courses provided by Smith’s Yorkshire company over the coming year.