BRC sets up HR development company in Sri Lanka

By Cheranka Mendis

To facilitate the growing need for professional human resources in the developing local business market, BRC (Bill Roy Consulting) Partnership, a consultancy based in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland set up shop in Sri Lanka with the launch of BRC Lanka – a leadership and management development company.

Officially launched yesterday, BRC has partnered with former chairman of the Council for Business with Britain (CBB) in Sri Lanka, Anil Wijesinghe.

Wijesinghe is known globally as a Sri Lankan businessman interested in developing professional business training in the island and has held top posts in a number of key companies in the country.  The new company will hold workshops, seminars etc., committed to deliver world class training, coaching and facilitation delivered by experienced UK staff.

Starting with two distinct programmes come this December, one for corporates and the other for the teaching community, BRC Lanka will strive to make available professional HR development in the country. BRC Partnership Business Dev-elopment Manager Alan George at the launch noted that the need for skilled professionals in Sri Lanka is rising rapidly along with growth and development of the economy. “We want to try and enhance the business language of the nation. The shift and influence of capital and business is changing and the shift in many ways is coming to Asia. New language, skills and abilities will be needed to move forward successfully,” George said. Commenting that he was “deeply impressed” by the calibre of business run in Sri Lanka, the activities and performance of the blue chip companies among others, George noted that the country has taken steps to approach the business world with fresh initiatives and new possibilities. Anil Wijesinghe, the Sri Lankan counterpart added that via the new company world class HR programmes will now be available in Sri Lanka.

On the company’s immediate plans for the future George stated that three programs are lined up for December. The first will go under the title ‘Leader 21- Intelligent leadership for the 21st Century’ and will take place at Hilton Residencies on 7 and 8 December.

The one day programme will cover three key areas: cultural intelligence (challenge of business without borders), emotional intelligence (challenge of dysfunctional teamwork) and strategic intelligence (challenge of looking into the horizon. The other will be titled ‘Room to Grow,’ a half day seminar for teachers and practitioners on 9 December.  Held under the theme ‘creating and developing a 21st Century landscape’ the programme will explore the areas of creating a stimulating a learning environment, accelerated learning, learning styles and preferences and classroom management and organisation.  Speaking at the event, British High Commission Head of UK Trade and Investment Janet Ford stated that she views the company as one that offers, “Innovative, effective and up to date courses in a wide range of corporate and management training areas.” With UK known for its high standards in education and training, the venture will bring in success, she said.

Also present at the event, Chai-rman for Council for Business with Britain and HSBC CEO Nick Nicalaou expressing his delight at the merger stated that the partnership was formed after a trade mission business meeting held in April this year with delegates from North Ireland in association with Invest Northern Ireland.

 This is one of the many ties formed at the event he said. He added that yet another delegation from North Ireland will be visiting Sri Lanka end of this month for more discussions and to explore the possibilities of more partnerships.