University sales division targets boost to economy

SCOTLAND’S first ever university sales division has been launched at Edinburgh Napier in a bid to boost the economy.

The initiative has received wide backing from the business community, including the Institute of Directors in Scotland and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

The idea behind the new division is to plug the gap in sales skills training in Scotland.

Tony Douglas, director of the new sales division, said: “It is widely recognised in the Scottish business community that the sales skills required to meet today’s business challenges are lacking in this country.

“In contrast, American business schools have been leading the way for the last ten years.”

Derrick McCourt, regional director for Scotland and Wales at Microsoft Corporation, has been working closely with Edinburgh Napier.

He added: “Our hope is that this new sales division of the Institute will expand the talent pool for sales training.”