A student who enrolled on professional marketing courses at City College Norwich to give his career a boost has won a Top Student award from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Paul Hardingham, who is Head of Product for Lodges and Parks at holiday homes firm Hoseasons, won the award for his analysis of the threats and opportunities facing the firm at the height of the recession.
Mr Hardingham was presented with the Top Student award (Joint) for Marketing Planning Process at the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s graduation ceremony at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Friday 19th November. His in-depth assignment assessed the current market position of Hoseasons at a critical time for the Lowestoft-based company which provides short breaks and self-catering holiday homes throughout the UK.
With more and more people choosing to “staycation” during the recession, Mr Hardingham identified opportunities for Hoseasons in diversifying their products in order to appeal to the wide range of people now choosing to holiday at home in the UK. As Head of Product for Lodges and Parks Mr Hardingham is now putting this learning into practice through the development of a new range of luxury eco-style lodges.
After deciding on a change of direction, the former business development manager started the CIM Professional Certificate in Marketing in 2007, funding the course himself. This commitment was rewarded in March 2008 when Mr Hardingham was offered the position of Product Manager with Hoseasons. Recognising the business benefits of the CIM qualifications, Hoseasons were happy to support Mr Hardingham to advance to the Professional Diploma in Marketing, which he is due to complete this month.
Paul Hardingham said: “The CIM courses have been really positive as they are directly relevant to the business environment in which you are working. Balancing work and study is a big commitment, but it is definitely worth doing. I put a lot of effort into the Marketing Planning Process module, and was pleased with what I had done, but it was a real surprise when I found out I had won this award”.
Dick Palmer, Principal, City College Norwich, said: “Winning this CIM award is a great achievement and is richly deserved for the hard work and commitment that Paul has shown. Paul’s story provides a great example of the real benefits that professional courses can bring, both to individuals and the companies they work for”.
Matt Smith, HR Manager, Hoseasons, said: “It didn’t come as a surprise to me when I heard that Paul has won this award. His dedication to his role within Hoseasons is typical of Paul’s commitment to everything that he undertakes. Paul always gives 100% and this award is testament to his attitude and is also personal recognition of a fantastic achievement”.
Print
Send
PDF