Thirty eight international delegates from all sectors of the cotton industry have successfully completed the International Cotton Association's (ICA) annual training programme, Complete Cotton. Complete Cotton took place in Liverpool, UK from 23rd April until 2nd May. Specially developed for industry professionals, the training provided delegates with a unique opportunity to learn about the complexities of the cotton industry from some of the world's leading professionals.

With 18 training modules, delivered by 20 industry experts, Complete Cotton delivered an insight into every aspect of the cotton supply chain - from cotton growing to spinning and everything else in between.

Mr David T Machingaidze, a ginner and managing director at The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe, was one of the delegates to benefit from the training: "I attended Complete Cotton because I am fairly new to cotton and I want to develop a complete understanding of the cotton value chain. I am very happy that I have achieved this objective and I now have a very good understanding. It has also been fantastic to meet a lot of new people and establish new trading networks.”

Another delegate who gained from the experience was Ms Giao Tang. Previously working for a spinning company in Vietnam, Giao is now based in the USA and has started her own company, Tang Development & Investment: "Complete Cotton was beyond my expectations and I highly recommend it.”

Speaking after the event, Mr Kai Hughes, ICA Managing Director explained: "This year's course was another sell-out. We were overwhelmed by the response and we are delighted that the training is as popular as ever. Complete Cotton is very unique and it remains one of the industry's major training programmes. The presenters that take part are some of the most respected names in cotton, such as Jagdish Parihar - Olam International, Andrew Macdonald - ITMF, Mohit Shah - Gill & Co, Peter Egli - Plexus Cotton. Our thanks go to all of them for contributing their time and expertise.”

During the training the delegates also got the chance to network, socialise and take in the sights of Liverpool. They attended a number of specially sponsored events, including dinner at the Maritime Museum - at Liverpool's UNESCO waterfront site, a trip to Anfield - home to Liverpool Football Club and a visit to Quarry Bank Mill - founded in 1784 and now restored as a fully working cotton mill and museum.

Mr Kai concludes: "It was fantastic to see such a large and varied group of people come together to increase their knowledge. Over the years, this training has provided an excellent grounding for many of today's key players in the cotton world. The benefits are far reaching. Not only do the delegates gain access to training and networking opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible, they transfer the learning back home to help make a positive impact within their own workplace and community. This has a knock-on effect for the industry as a whole and helps to promote good trading practice. If you are involved in the cotton industry, in whatever shape or form, you really should consider signing up for next year's course.”