Roundup® has announced that the 2014 Roundup Academy, the free-to-use online training portal designed to equip retail staff with a better understanding of weed control and Roundup products, is now up and running for the year ahead.

Launched in the UK in 2012, the Roundup Academy has proven its value to retailers with nearly 3,000 staff signing up and many having now completed all modules and becoming ‘Masters of Roundup’.

As well as benefitting from an increased knowledge of weed control, everyone who completes all modules will receive a free multi tool torch, as well as an enamel lapel badge to let customers know they are an expert in weed control.

Roundup has also organised a prize draw for the end of July, when everyone who has completed all modules will be entered into a draw to win a 2014 Apple iPad Air.

For new staff and those who haven't enrolled previously, the training offers valuable guidance on how to spot weeds, methods of control and advice on which products give the best solution. All of this results in improved knowledge and confidence when advising customers. For retailers this in-depth understanding of the category that can be imparted to customers will help to secure sales and encourage repeat buying behaviour.

For retail staff that have already signed up, they will be able to login again to refresh their weeding knowledge. They will also be eligible to enter the prize draw if they complete all four modules.

New for 2014, the Roundup Academy has a refreshed look with some new questions and has been updated so it can be used on all devices including computers, laptops, smart phones and tablets.

Gary Philpotts, Lawn and Garden UK Business Director said: “The Academy is going from strength to strength and it has been great to see so many of our retail customers and their staff keen to come on board and increase their knowledge of products that can easily add value to their business.

“We are always looking for ways to improve the ease of use of the Academy, and the 2014 refreshed design is much more straight forward to navigate and use, as well as being optimised for use across all devices. We hope this will encourage even more participants to increase their product knowledge ready for sharing this advice with their customers, with a view to securing sales.”

The Academy is found at www.roundup-academy.com . Participants can log in using their unique code, available from Roundup sales representatives, managers and customer services team. If you haven’t received a code, call your rep or 01483 410334. Anyone who has previously registered will be asked to update their login password.

*Terms and conditions apply and can be found online at www.roundup-academy.com/trade/terms