Dubai - MENA Herald: Asteco, the Middle East’s largest independent full service real estate company, has today launched a unique training and development facility for the UAE market and its growing community of internationally licensed brand franchisees.
The academy will be headed by leading organisational practitioner, Brian Weaver, who brings over 25 years’ of senior international performance training in his capacity as Head of Training and Development having worked with some of the biggest names in the USA, Europe, Africa and Middle East.
“Our professionalism and capability is vital to our reputation and overall success, and this is what sets Asteco apart from the competition. We want our franchises to be successful and profitable, and so the academy is the perfect vehicle to help them achieve that goal. Training is and should be an investment, not a cost and I am excited about the contribution our academy will make to the business,” said Weaver.
A first-of-its-kind facility for the region, Weaver’s experience in training, evaluation and major change initiatives will support the learning and development of the growing number of franchisees under the Asteco banner.
Training is to an international professional standard thanks to accreditation from the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM), the leading global professional body for Commercial and Business Development Managers. It is also an internationally recognised examining and awarding body for business and management students.
“Our primary purpose in setting up the academy is to effectively translate our corporate and franchise strategy into training initiatives relevant to each franchisee’s business. Under Brian’s tutelage and mentorship this will enable them to develop the skill set necessary to make their franchise investment successful and in line with Asteco’s reputation for excellence and continuing development,” said Omar Binder, Director – Licensing Services, Asteco.
The internationally recognised academy is based on a three-in-one model providing support from the company’s corporate arm to align Asteco deliverables with franchisee business goals; Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities to help franchises maintain a competitive edge; and long-term in-house support and advice as franchisees build their businesses.
“Brian’s extensive experience enables him to bring a large degree of practicality to his work, this combined with in-depth business acumen and an eye on the impact to the bottom line i.e. tangible business results, underscores the value of this new training facility," added Binder.
Asteco launched the franchise arm of its real estate business in late 2014, to offer small to mid-sized real estate brokerage companies, independent realtors and regional entrepreneurs looking to break in or diversify into the real estate sector access to the expertise of a 30-year old industry leader.
The only locally established, full service real estate business offering this bespoke franchise opportunity, the licensing model also provides franchisees with a high value referrals service, access to Asteco’s dedicated intranet with a comprehensive range of resources, regular communication and updates, as well as use of the industry-leading real estate software and CRM platform.
It currently works with a number of licensed franchisees located in three key Middle East gateway cities, and this year will explore new opportunities farther afield, with prospects in Europe and North Africa.
