Southpaw has been awarded with IPA CPD Gold for its continuous investment in professional development.
This year saw a record of 41 IPA member agencies awarded Gold accreditations for their outstanding CPD programmes.
To achieve the IPA CPD Gold accreditation, agencies were required to write a paper which demonstrated the effectiveness of their training and development programme on their business success. Their submissions revealed that they take a holistic approach to professional development regardless of the size of the available budget and that they show creativity in building an energetic learning culture, in support of real business objectives. The agencies also provided clear evidence that CPD practice is not merely an add-on to operations but lies at the heart of their business, fuelling commercial success.
The judging panel said, “Southpaw produced a thorough and professional submission, with excellent examples of how to demonstrate the commercial value of CPD to the agency. An enthusiasm for learning clearly runs throughout the team, from senior management to the most junior levels.”
Southpaw’s group managing director Tom Poynter commented: “We have a talent crisis in our industry and it is not getting any better. Not only do we need to work hard at equipping people to excel at their jobs, but also to nurture and succession plan people into a career path. We have put learning at the heart of our culture and this has delivered a clear link to creativity, client happiness and business growth.”
Southpaw’s HR Manager Naomi Saxon commented: “We are delighted to receive this prestigious accolade from the IPA, which recognises Southpaw as an agency that takes the development of our talent very seriously. We understand that in order for us to prosper as an agency we need to provide the framework and opportunities for people to learn and grow.”
IPA CPD gold accredited agencies report, on average, a 66% pitch conversion rate, a 34% increase in digital revenue and a 96% client retention rate.