Vital Pet Group has announced that its Retail Academy courses have been accredited by SQP regulator Vetpol, making the classes suitable to fill the requirement for continued professional development (CPD) of SQPs (suitably qualified persons).

The Retail Academy is a digital platform that offers a range of free educational courses for Vital’s retail customers. The Vetpol accreditation means that SQPs who are customers of Vital can now maintain their careers by taking the courses. 

The Academy’s unique courses are full of engaging information on brands in the specialist pet sector, including advice on how to drive product sales and bite-sized lessons to boost retail knowledge. As well as detailed modules, the Retail Academy provides training courses, quizzes, and sales tools, allowing retailers to interact with peers in Academy forums and the chance to win products and discounts in instant-win competitions. 

As well as being Vetpol certified, the Retail Academy courses are open to all levels, which means that Vital customers can learn whatever their level of experience, from beginners to advanced. Each class will be marked from either multiple choice or open-ended questions. Upon completion, participants are rewarded with a certificate, which can be printed and displayed on their premises or saved as recorded achievements for sales staff.

Courses currently available via the Retail Academy include modules from Yarrah, Ministry of Pets, Cath Kidston and iQuties, emphasising how enrichment, toys, and affordable luxury can encourage impulse purchases.

Harvey Lees, head of commercial, buying and procurement at Vital Pet Group, said: “Through the Retail Academy, we are delighted to offer courses to our customers in the veterinary and pet world across all levels, from SQPs to shop floor managers. We are thrilled to receive accreditation by Vetpol for our courses, which ensures SQPs can not only experience some really engaging and unique educational content by taking them but, in doing so, can also further their careers as they count towards their CPD requirements.” 

Caroline Johnson, director of Vetpol, said: “We are pleased to award the Vital Retail Academy courses accreditation, allowing SQPs to expand their careers by educating themselves in the specialist field of pet retail.”