THE Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) has more than 50,000 members worldwide all of whom have immediate access to an unrivalled set of resources.

These include expertson the end of the phone, the most comprehensive archive of marketing intelligence available, professional training, superb networking opportunities... and of course, the kudos of being a member of the world's largest marketing organisation.

The CIM defines the marketing standards that operate in the UK and champions best practice globally. It exists to develop the marketing profession, maintain professional standards and improve the skills of marketing practitioners, enabling them to deliver exceptional results for their organisations.

It does this by providing membership, qualifications and training to marketing professionals around the world.

The Institute can trace its roots back to 1911 when 12 sales managers meet on May 16, at the Inns of Court Hotel in London, to form the Sales Managers' Association.

Their aim was to improve sales techniques and set their role on a more professional footing.

The Association held regular dinner meetings addressed by prominent businessmen and public figures.

Word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing on Earth... so by networking with the largest community of marketing professionals in the world members can discuss and share ideas with a network of 50,000 like-minded people; be involved in local, regional and national events - and learn something new - and market the company and themselves more effectively.

CIM members can make faster, better-informed decisions by consolidating the information they need through access to the world's most comprehensive marketing portal, containing over 4,000 journals and 10,000 company profiles.

They can get fast solutions to tricky marketing problems by using CIM's specialist research team; receive need-to-know information on a regular basis - through quarterly analysis, weekly bulletins, and an award-winning CIM magazine an take advantage of resources to help find their next job.

A person's association with the Chartered Institute of Marketing lends credence to their professional status and helps maintain the highest business standards:

The CIM also offers a whole range of training courses and qualifications to help its members tackle today's business demands on a practical level.

All CIM members recieve a 10 per cent discount on all workshops and residential courses

The Chartered Institute of Marketing promotes professional marketing standards to organisations across the UK, helping them to employ and develop skilled marketers.