The alcohol social responsibility body Portman Group has introduced a free training programme available online for start-ups and small producers with a turnover of £2.5m or less.

The scheme is aimed at helping the craft community to better understand and implement the Code of Practice of Naming, Packaging and Promotion of alcoholic drinks.

What’s more, the body’s suite of Continuing Professional Development accredited sources has been revised with three options for anyone with an interest in the alcohol industry.

The free introductory training session provides an overview of the Portman Group, its remit, the Code rules, the complaints process, and Panel decisions. It is provided in a simple downloadable video accessed on request to the Portman Group.

The three CPD-accredited training courses, which are priced from £50 per person for refresher training up to £150 per person for bespoke training, with discounts for larger groups, are:

Code Training designed to provide the foundation for alcohol producers and marketers to gain a broad and thorough understanding of alcohol marketing regulation in the UK.
Refresher Training for those who already have an understanding of the Portman Group and the wider regulatory framework of the UK but want to refresh their understanding of the Code through the recent decisions of the Independent Complaints Panel.
Bespoke Alcohol Regulation Training tailored to the individual’s needs and can focus on whatever elements are most valuable to the participant such as an in depth look at promotions or sampling information.

Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group, said: “We are delighted to have created a new training programme that is accessible and affordable that supports small producers along with an enhanced range of good value CPD courses. With over 25 years of experience in regulating the marketing for alcoholic drinks in the UK, we are confident that our training options will help producers to promote their products creatively and responsibly.”