3 minute read
'Commitment to our community'
Business Development analyses market needs, promotes feed safety awareness and is responsible for expanding the GMP+ Feed Certification scheme and external affairs. The department consists of the Commercial Director, Business Development Director and the Business Development Manager. Together they are the public face of the company during international events and meetings.
How did you connect online with the GMP+ community in 2021?
Olyn – ‘Connecting online with our community worked out great! For example, we organized feed safety webcast series for Asia, Latin America and North America. We created three episodes for each region. The webcasts were hugely successful. Online events eliminate all remaining barriers for companies to attend. We received a lot of support from companies, organisations and industry associations. Sharing feed safety awareness and knowledge globally is a crucial commitment to our community. By organizing these webcasts, we ensure feed safety knowledge is accessible to everyone.’
Was it difficult to maintain or strengthen stakeholder relationships during COVID?
Johan – ‘One of our core values is ‘together’. Having spent over three decades in this industry, I know the importance of working together with individuals and groups across the globe. That is why we always strive to strengthen our support group and partnerships worldwide. Maintaining and strengthening our relationship digitally because of the pandemic was quite challenging.’
‘ Nevertheless in 2021, our partnerships with stakeholders continued to grow. In total, we reached 70 partners in feed, food and other schemes. We also reached 15 GMP+ Registered consultants. And after launching the GMP+ Academy on July 7, 2021, we now have 9 Registered Training Institutes and Trainers. We can only sustain knowledge if we keep sharing it – in the right way, with the right mind set, and at the right platform.’
That innovative mindset also extended to attracting new auditors?
Olyn – ‘That’s right. Certification Bodies are our main support group when it comes to facilitating feed safety. The role they and their auditors play cannot be underestimated. That is why in 2021 we launched a professional campaign called Life of an auditor, as part of the CB support program we initiated two years ago. Part of the campaign is an infomercial that showcases how important and diverse the work of an auditor really is. This video helps Certification Bodies in attracting auditors, and to solve the shortage of GMP+ auditors worldwide. We are committed to supporting our Certification Bodies any way we can.’
