We are especially pleased that many of you have provided the articles for this newsletter. This gives it a truly international appeal and we want to be able to build on this for our third. So do let us know, send us in items for that which will be going out in January 2013.

Do also let us have any comments on how we can improve the newsletter. We have deliberately kept the format simple so it is easy to read and easy to assemble. Unfortunately we don't have the budget for producing a magazine as we have done in the past with CILT World but in many ways the days of a paper based magazine are now gone and electronic formats are more effective.

Meanwhile in the Secretariat we are now nearly 6 months into our jobs as a new team. We have found our feet and are enjoying working with you. Sitting in the Corby office, it is amazing to watch how much goes on across the world. We hope to be of help to you and deal with all your questions and requests. At the same time we are a part time team so please bear with us if we are sometimes a little slow in responding or have to say no. But equally do call us or email us if you do need support.

It is also important to say that we have much to do as a Secretariat. Our prime focus is on the further development of the four key areas, Marketing, Membership, Education and Young Professionals. We are working hard with the committees on this and much of our work this year is in establishing those committees and beginning the important agendas that will take us forward. We are also concentrating on the governance of branches and territories and making sure our processes really work. In some cases that means actually creating the processes and making sure everyone understands them. Before we can travel the fast road to success in some case the roads are still being constructed!