PwC’s Academy CIPD Professional Qualification Training Programmes

Did you know that PwC’s Academy offers 2 levels of CIPD professional qualification training programmes? 

CIPD is a professional body for experts in people at work and has been championing better work and working lives by setting professional standards for HR and people development, as well as driving positive change in the world of work for more than 100 years.

PwC’s Academy are offering two training programmes, based on the professional experience of the candidates. You can find more information about each of them at the links below:

• CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management – Level 5

• CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management – Level 7

These are professional development programmes, based on the latest business research in people practise, aiming to help you learn how to manage employment relations, recruit and nurture talent to sustain success, and reward and motivate the employees in your company. They are tailored for experienced HR professionals who are looking to further develop their skills and enhance their knowledge at the people management level.

If you’re ready to develop your personal effectiveness and business acumen, please email them at bg_pwcacademy@pwc.com.

Every day in Bulgaria, 1 woman dies from cervical cancer. 99% of cases of this type of cancer are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). This startling statistic is the reason why, for another year, medical laboratories Synevo, together with the National Association for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, announce the campaign “Reduce the risk. Take action. Live!”. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of cervical cancer, its causes, risk factors, and ways of prevention.

When the numbers speak…

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common disease among women aged 20-45 years. Unfortunately, more and more women in Bulgaria are being diagnosed, and statistics show that cancer is often detected at an advanced stage – almost 40 women die every month from cervical cancer. Prevention and screening are extremely important because early diagnosis of the disease provides the possibility of a complete cure for patients. Unlike many other types of cancer, cervical cancer is completely curable as long as it is detected at an early stage.

Screening tests for cervical cancer

The PAP test (also called Pap smear) is the most common test used to screen for cervical cancer. It can detect abnormal cells in the cervix, including cancer cells and cells that show changes that increase the risk of cervical cancer. To perform a PAP test, the doctor takes a swab from the cervix, and the sample is then examined in a laboratory for abnormalities.

During the campaign “Reduce the risk. Take action. Live!”, 200 ladies will be able to receive a completely free pap smear by the method of liquid cytology, which is one of the most innovative diagnostic tests for detecting cervical cancer and has been used in Western Europe for years. Learn more here.

The British Chambers of Commerce new Local Economy Of The Future report sets out 16 policies that could transform the UK’s growth potential by empowering businesses, communities and local government. 

Among the crucial changes it recommends are:  

• Devolving more powers to regional and local government so decision-making is closer to the issues.  
• Giving the National Infrastructure Commission real teeth to influence long-term strategy. 
• Accelerating the role out of electric vehicle charging and digital infrastructure to support sustainable connectivity. 
• Boosting resources for Local Planning Authorities to unblock the logjam on permissions. 
• Expanding the Banking Hub model across the UK to give businesses and communities easier access to finance. 
• Ensuring the voice of business is heard in strategy development and decision making at both a local and national level. 

The ‘Local Economy Of The Future’ report is being published at an event hosted by North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, on Tuesday 20 February, at Daniel Thwaites HQ, in Mellor Brook, near Blackburn.  

It is the third of five policy documents being published by the BCC’s new Business Council as part of the ‘Future of Economy’ project. The report draws on expertise from businesses of all sizes and sectors, academia and think-tanks. 

Its proposals aim to increase the productivity of the local economy by letting businesses capitalise on the opportunities provided if their areas are more sustainably focused and digitally enabled. 

And it recognises that for places to thrive then three forces need to come together – the community, business and local government. 

Among the themes to emerge in the work of the report are the need to provide local government with more resource to speed up its capabilities and capacity around infrastructure planning and transport. 

It also identified that the tax system must do more to incentivise the growth of small and medium sized firms by reforming business rates, VAT and tourism charges. 

Martha Lane Fox, President of the British Chambers of Commerce and Chair of the Business Council, said:  

“When the first Chambers of Commerce were established more than 200 years ago, they set out to fight the corner of businesses in their communities. Our network has always been inextricably linked to the places and people where they are based. 

“While much else has changed in that time, the devolution of power and authority to those best placed to decide what works for their local economies has been too slow. 

“In this digital age, and on the cusp of a new green industrial revolution, we must finally shift the balance. If we get this right, it will give our local economies, their businesses and communities the best possible chance to thrive in the 21st Century.” 

Sebastian Munden, Chair of the Local Economy Of The Future Challenge Group, said:  

“If we make a concerted effort to seize the future quickly, the UK has an opportunity to be at the forefront in shaping a more purposeful world economy.  

“But too often the country’s ambitions for a brighter future end up fractured and disjointed, as the enablers, and therefore the opportunities, are unevenly distributed across geography and communities.  

“If we want a better quality of life and a more circular economy that is better for our planet, then we must bring everyone on the journey, removing the impediments to scale for thriving sustainable businesses, and empowering local strategies for skills and infrastructure.  

“Communities tend to prosper where there is strong local leadership, a powerful sense of place, and business is responsibly integrated into decision-making. Creating the framework to sustain this trinity will guarantee our local economies thrive in the future.” 

James Timpson, Chief Executive of the Timpson Group and Chancellor of Keele University, said:  

“Local communities are the building blocks upon which our economy sits. They are where the people who come together to drive our businesses live, and one cannot survive and prosper without the other. 

“These are testing times, and we face major economic challenges but there are also exciting opportunities ahead. 

“This report is a strategic roadmap for how we navigate the path before us. It will make sure the big ideas of tomorrow, that are being developed by our business communities, get the best possible chance of success.” 

Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: 

“Local economies play an indispensable role in fostering prosperity and sustainable growth within our communities. Emphasising their significance is crucial in promoting self-sufficiency, boosting job creation, and preserving the unique character of our regions.

“By nurturing our local businesses and industries, we reinforce socio-economic resilience, empowering both individuals and communities.” 

In the new section of Economy.bg “Most Useful Trainings,” professionals from various fields share their personal experiences with trainings, courses, video series, presentations, etc., that they have recently attended or watched. They discuss how they chose them, how they found them useful, how they went, and their pros and cons.

See what Milen Velikov, an HR professional with years of experience, recommends.

For the past few years, I have deliberately missed opportunities to formalize new knowledge through external training or education. Over the years, I have been “overfed” with such experiences, and I knew their format, duration, initial jokes, and methods of acquaintance all too well. I couldn’t achieve everything afterwards, and there was often a lack of understanding from those who sent me why it would be good to change something. In my opinion, it is crucial for HR professionals not only to attend training but also for some of their colleagues – different level managers, why not even the company’s CEO. Another assumption is that the training should bring value and lead to some change.

In 2023, an opportunity arose to participate in a three-day course at Scotwork Bulgaria on “Advanced Negotiation Skills” with lecturers Chavdar Vaklev and Dobromir Minkov. Due to my very good personal impressions of the second and the opportunity presented to me, I decided to participate.

I do not remember any other training where I took so many notes, nor do I remember any other similar training where no one left the room hours after its completion. It was the same for all three days. The group consisted of about 10 people – well-selected, high-positioned individuals with different professional roles, including people with international experience – thinking, asking questions, and sharing. And only two HR professionals. Other advantages of this training were the expertise, solid experience, and different teaching styles of the two trainers. They knew how to approach, had a very large common culture, and dealt with various cases. Huge professionals who command respect – one of the most important things for a training to be successful + quite a bit of experience on the topic itself. Another aspect was the practice, broken down through the different roles we were assigned over the days of the training, as well as the analysis of video situations in which we voluntarily put ourselves. It was interesting to see ourselves from the outside. The room we were situated in was large enough to have space, air, and plenty of natural light. The food was tasty and sufficient. There was a positive atmosphere, lots of laughter, and our minds were freed to think and interpret. And to practice what we had learned.

I try to find negatives, but I don’t see any. I would gladly participate in other courses under this umbrella (see here)  or with the participation of these two trainers. Do I practice what I learned? Both directly and indirectly. Not everything and not all at once, but it was useful to me, and I don’t regret being part of this training.

Deloitte Legal is pleased to invite you to a series of training seminars. Following the seminar on the topic “Key Legal Aspects of Online Sales,” which took place on January 25, 2024.

Seminar on the topic “Electronic Identification and Contracting in the Context of E-Commerce,” scheduled for February 27, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, with the following program you can see here in Bulgarian.

Seminar on the topic “Personal Data Protection in the Context of E-Commerce,” scheduled for March 20, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, with the following program you can here in Bulgarian.

Seminar on the topic “Consumer Protection and Features of Online Sales of Goods and Services,” scheduled for April 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, with the following program you can see here in Bulgarian.

Location: Sofia, Balkan Business Center, 4 Mihail Tenev Str., 12th floor

Depending on the number of registered participants, the location may be changed in favour of all those wishing to participate.

Language: Bulgarian.

Target Audience:

• Legal consultants
• Compliance officers
• Data protection officers
• Employees in commercial departments
• Website administrators
• Business owners, including startups in the field of fintech, e-commerce, IT, etc.

Participation Fee:

• For one seminar from the series: 80 euros per participant.
• For two or more seminars from the series: 65 euros per participant for each selected seminar.
• Full package (for all seminars): 200 euros per participant.

A 5% additional discount on the fee for each participant is provided for two or more participants from one company.

Prices are exclusive of VAT and must be paid in advance.

Certificates: All attendees at the seminars will receive participation certificates issued by Deloitte Legal.

The seminar “Personal Data Protection in the Context of E-Commerce” offers the opportunity to earn credits – 2 CPE (in accordance with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) policy).

Registration:

To reserve a spot for the seminars, please register by sending an email to dkirkova@deloittece.com, including the following information:

• Selected seminar(s) from the series or full package
• Name and surname of the participant
• Department and position of the participant
• Business email address of the participant
• Invoice details:

Registration for seminar participation will be confirmed by sending an invoice for the applicable fee to the specified email address after receiving your application.

For questions and additional information:

Desislava Kirkova – Senior Manager, Clients and Markets

E-mail: dkirkova@deloittece.com 

The World Ski Cup attracted global attention to Bansko once again. 

Bulgaria’s best winter resort had the honour of hosting the races of the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup for the ninth time and the fifth time for the male ski racers.

The competitions on 10 and 11 of February – the men’s giant slalom and slalom -happened to fall with the worldwide celebrations of the centennial anniversary, marking the founding anniversary for both the FIS and the Bulgarian Ski Federation in February 2024.

This special occasion in Bansko was graced by the presence of the president of FIS Johan Eliash, and many sport legends, VIP guests and international celebrities, such as – Ted Lagety -known as “Miste GS”, Mark Girardelli, Alberto Tomba, Tina Maze, Petar Popangelov, Hristo Stoichkov and many others.

The prestigious sport event was honoured by the President of Bulgaria   Mr..Rumen Radev as special guest as well.

With a record number of 85 skiers from 20 countries testing their strength on the Tomba track above Banderishka Polyana, the ski event was attended by over 50 media representatives from over 20 countries and watched live by 100 million TV viewers from all over the word.

The victory of the first competition day in the giant slalom went to number one in Alpine races – the 26 -year- old Swiss national Marco Odermatt, marking his ninth consecutive win in World Cup events.

As one of the main partners of Audi FIS World Ski Cup Bansko 2024, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko was once again at the epicentre of events. Bulgaria’s Best Ski Hotel, as awarded by World Ski Awards 2023, welcomed many official and VIP guests, who arrived specifically for the biggest and most prestigious sports event of the year. During their stay at the hotel, they had the opportunity to taste Mediterranean specialities in  “Bulgaria’s Best Hotel Restaurant” by World Culinary Awards 2023 – Come Prima, to experience authentic Asian dishes in the completely redesigned Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki Grill and to immerse themselves in the party atmosphere of Piano Bar Sing Sing. The guests did not miss visiting the award-winning Kempinski The Spa, where they were able to enjoy authentic Thai massages and indulge in complete relaxation and tranquillity. 

If you want to ride on the snow slopes under Todorka peak like the best skiers in the world and enjoy an unforgettable ski vacation at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, you can learn more about the special accommodation offers Here.

The Award in Bulgaria is turning 10 tomorrow!
To mark this special occasion Tony McMurray, Chair of the Honorary Trust of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Bulgaria, will run the most popular marathon on the planet – the TCS London Marathon!

A fun fact is that Tony made it to the very competitive international ballot because of his Bulgarian ID!
If you wish to support him and The Award, you can do so at his JustGiving profile. Your contribution will help The Award grow – both in Bulgaria and worldwide. So that many more young people equip themselves with transferable skills and discover their purpose, passion, and place in the world.
Interested in Tony’s preparation?

Follow him and donate HERE.

Unlock your potential with PwC’s exclusive Leadership training programmes tailored to suit your level of experience. Whether you’re just starting your journey in business or have years of experience, our programmes are designed to empower you to excel in today’s dynamic marketplace.

From Manager to Leader Programme: Embark on a transformative journey to lay a solid foundation for your leadership skills. This program focuses on the essential skills needed for managing in uncertain times. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, globalisation, and shifting workforce demographics, organisations are faced with unprecedented challenges and complexities. In this dynamic environment, the traditional top-down leadership approach is no longer sufficient. From Manager to Leader Programme will help you lead with confidence from day one. Perfect for budding entrepreneurs and those transitioning into leadership roles. You can find more information about the programme here.
PwC’s Mini MBA Programme: Take your business acumen to new dimensions with our advanced Programme designed for experienced professionals. The 20th edition of PwC’s Academy Mini MBA starts on 28 March 2024. The programme consists of 9 connected modules and takes about 4 months to complete. Dive deep into cutting-edge business theories, strategic decision-making processes, and advanced strategies to drive your career and organisation forward. Ideal for executives, managers, and established entrepreneurs seeking to refine their business acumen.

More information: https://www.pwc.bg/en/pwc-academy/portfolio/mini-mba-programme.html

Why Choose Us? 

•  Expert-led sessions by professionals with rich practical experience
  
•  Interactive workshops for practical skills application 
•  Networking opportunities with like-minded professionals 
•  Ongoing support for continued growth and success

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and elevate your leadership growth. Join us and become the visionary leader your business deserves!
Register here: https://www.pwc.bg/en/online-forms/academy-courses-registration-form.html 

For more information email us at bg_pwcacademy@pwc.com

Responding to the latest trade data from the ONS, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 
 “The UK had another good year for services exports in 2023, showing the strength of that side of our economy. But there will be concern about the drop in goods exports. 
“Further measures are needed to address this; more must be done to connect exporters and would-be exporters with customers in markets across Europe and the rest of the world. 
“The Government should set up an Exports Council to achieve this. It could work with business to build upon our relative strength in services exports across even more sectors, while providing fresh impetus to improve overseas sales of goods.
“This would be a very welcome step as 2024 is already looking like will a challenging year for international trade. We are yet to see the full effects of Red Sea disruption and patchy global growth is only adding to the uncertainty.” 

The UK trade picture in detail 
The data for the whole of 2023 shows that the UK’s services trade continues to lead the way. Removing the effects of inflation, total annual UK exports in combined goods and services rose by 0.6% (£3.9bn) to £690.8bn in 2023. 
This was down to the UK’s robust trade in services which rose by 5.3% with strong performances in financial, business, professional, cultural and travel services exports across the world. But the flipside was a disappointing performance in goods exports, which fell by 4.6%.  

Imports 
UK goods imports in 2023 fell by 7.4% while services imports rose by 13.3% (excluding inflation). The picture for imports of services in the final quarter of the year was not as strong, however, as they fell by 0.5% (£0.4bn). Although for the final month of the year, services imports increased by £0.1bn. On goods imports in December, the ONS found no effects in the data of the Red Sea disruption. Goods imports volumes fell by 3.6% for the month, with rest of the world imports falling by 4.5% and EU imports down by 3% on November.  Again, the leading cause was fluctuations in oils and fuel trade but also with falls in machinery and transport goods (principally from China). 

Exports 
Services export volumes exceeded goods exports volumes by £62bn in 2023. After taking inflation into account, UK services exports are 4.7% higher than pre-2020 lockdown levels.  Although the annual performance for UK services exports rose, the last quarter was negative, with an estimated drop in exports of 4.4% (£5.2bn).  For the month of December, UK services exports were static after inflationary effects were removed.  Goods exports fell by 0.5% in December with a 3.2% fall in exports to the EU being partially offset by a rise in rest of the world exports by 2.1%. Fluctuations in trade in fuels were a leading cause, but there were also falls in machinery, chemicals and transport equipment.  

Responding to the latest inflation figures from the ONS, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

 “Businesses need price stability, so today’s news that inflation remained unchanged in January is welcome.

“However, firms consistently tell us inflation is their top concern. In our latest research 58% of firms citied it as a worry, though this has fallen in recent quarters from the highs we saw in 2022. 

“The Bank of England has already warned that inflation is likely to remain volatile over the coming months because of global uncertainty. The Red Sea crisis is causing supply chain disruption and price rises for businesses. 

“Next month’s budget is an opportunity for the Government to reassure and support businesses. Companies across the UK will be looking for a clear plan from the Chancellor that prioritises investment and skills.”