The 2009/2010 year has been a very busy one for the Pestcert Board of Directors. The major changes initiated by the Board in the 2008/2009 to ensure the financial stability of Pestcert, have continued into the 09/10 year. In addition, a number of new projects have been undertaken and are now beginning to provide positive, tangible results.

 

It is pleasing to be able to confirm that Pestcert is not only financially stable, it is now profitable and surplus funds are now being used to promote the use of Pestcert members to the community.

 

A specialist internet marketing company has been engaged. The Pestcert website has been modified to make it more user friendly, more appealing to the community and most importantly, more visible to internet search engines. A major internet marketing program has begun which will drive business to Pestcert member businesses.

 

The Board has undertaken a complete review of the Rules of Accreditation which has resulted in a comprehensive revision of the Rules. This will ensure that the Rules of Accreditation remain relevant and meaningful.

 

The auditing manual and guidelines have been completely revised and a new auditing manual will be completed within the next few weeks.

 

An exciting development is the recognition of systems and processes within Member’s businesses. Where these systems meet the Pestcert minimum guidelines, Members will have the option of reducing their CPD training target by up to 40 CPD points per technician, per year. This initiative recognises that, in addition to ongoing training, sound systems and processes within a business are also important in the delivery of a quality service.

 

Auditing of Member businesses has recommenced and audits have already been completed under the new structure. The new system will see all Member businesses externally audited at least once each 5 years. Additional audits may be carried out if the need were to arise, say in the case of a serious complaint being made against a Member.

 

In addition, Members will be required to carry out a “self audit” each year.

 

The audit process is intended not only to measure compliance with Pestcert guidelines, but to also provide real value in terms of strengthening Member’s businesses, service quality and profitability.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks to our Board of Directors for the enormous effort they have put in over the past 2 years. Your board freely give up their time on a voluntary basis and in many cases, they do not seek reimbursement for their out of pocket expenses. Their involvement on the Pestcert Board takes them away from their own businesses and jobs which must suffer as a result.

 

While the effort put in by every Board member has been remarkable, I would like to personally thank Nerine Porteous for the incredible amount of work she has put into the writing of the new auditing manual – all while juggling a senior management position and 2 young children!

 

I will be standing down as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pestcert Ltd. at the 2010 Annual General Meeting.

 

The Board has decided that the roles of Chairman and Deputy Chairman should be held for a 2 year period on a rotating basis to facilitate a succession plan. The intent here is that the Deputy Chairman will gain an understanding of the role of the Chair and the main issues before progressing to the role of Chairman themselves.

 

I am delighted to advise you that Ms Nerine Porteous will be appointed to the role of incoming Chairperson. I have every confidence in Nerine and wish her well for the future.

 

Finally I would like to pass on the gratitude of the Board to all our Professional, Partner and Supporter Members for your faith, enduring support and confidence in the Pestcert concept.

 

 

Best Regards,

 

 

Malcolm Trotter

Chairman

Pestcert Limited