THE appointment of a marketing and technical manager is set to deliver a boost to fast-growing professional register BASIS PROMPT. Lucy Cottingham will work with the whole of BASIS Registration - the non-profit organisation responsible for training, certification, auditing and standard-setting across a range of agricultural and related land-based industries.

A key part of her role will be to promote the work of PROMPT and its activities to a range of stakeholders, including record numbers of members, and provide technical expertise.

The 29-year-old joins BASIS from Frontier Agriculture, where she worked as an agronomist. Already a member of the BASIS register, she's a qualified advisor for FACTS - the body responsible for setting standards, training and accrediting the Continuing Professional Development of those providing nutrient management advice - and has gained the BASIS Diploma in Agronomy.

A graduate of the University of Exeter, she gained a Masters degree from Harper Adams College and is keen to gain the Graduate Diploma in Agronomy with Environmental Management.

Lucy said: "BASIS has been an important part of my career to date so I'm very much looking forward to being a part of the organisation.

"An important part of my job will be to help raise awareness of the register and its importance as a vehicle for professional competence within the pest control industry."
The appointment strengthens the team at PROMPT, which is keen to maintain progress following a record year.

The launch of a rodent-specific category in 2016 has so far attracted more than 700 new members - helping to take the total number past the 4,000 milestone for the first time.
Lucy, from Hilton in Derbyshire, added: "PROMPT has made huge strides in recent years and particularly last year.

"We think more than half of the professional pest controllers in the UK are now members of our organisation and that's fantastic news.

"But we're determined to continue that growth by delivering more benefits to existing members and building awareness of the register and the advantages that it provides."

Stephen Jacob, chief executive of BASIS, said: "Lucy will have a key role in developing the profile of the organisation and the service we deliver to our members.

"She also brings practical expertise that's so important to ensuring we continue the progress we've made so far."

Source: BPCA.org.uk