IoD Marketing and Communications Special Interest Group launches new education programme ‘LABS: Marketing for Non-Marketing Directors’
The Institute of Directors (IoD) Marketing Communications Special Interest Group (MarComms SIG) has launched a new learning initiative designed specifically for board members without a formal background in marketing. The LABS: Marketing for Non-Marketing Directors programme is a series of interactive, board-level sessions that equip Directors with the knowledge and confidence to challenge and guide their marketing colleagues, ensuring stronger governance and more effective strategic decision-making.
Launching monthly lunchtime sessions online from 15 October with one in-person morning session. Across six sessions running from October 2025 to April 2026, the LABS will cover topics including:
- 15 October: Strategic Growth and Competitive Advantage
- 12 November: Financial and Economic Foundations of Marketing
- 10 December: Understanding and Integrating Customer Value
- 18 (London) or 19 (Nottingham) February: Maximising Brand and Marketing Effectiveness
- 18 March: Marketing Communication
- 15 April: Optimising Marketing Performance and Resilience
Each LAB stands alone as a 1.5 hour event, but together they form a comprehensive journey. Directors who attend all sessions will receive an IoD Certificate of Completion and CPD
accreditation.
The programme will feature a mix of online and in-person sessions with contributions from experienced board-level marketing leaders including Jeremy Duncan and Trudy Lewis.
Key Details
- Who it’s for: Directors responsible for marketing oversight, or those contributing to boardroom decisions on marketing without formal training.
- Format: Mix of online and in-person LABS either taken as standalone topics or as part of a full series.
- Dates: October 2025 – April 2026.
- Cost: From £40 for IoD members / £75 for non-members per session (discounts available for the full series)
Bookings are now open via the IoD website. For more information and to register click below.
The Marketing Communications (MarComms) group is passionate about the need for all directors, business leaders and entrepreneurs to be aware and understand the importance of
marketing communications.
Our goal is to provide members with an active and vibrant community where we will share knowledge and enable a greater appreciation for the discipline and its ability to build business, reputation and achieve success.
Marketing Communications as a sector makes a significant contribution to the UK economy. It includes marketing, public relations, communications, advertising, branding, design and digital and according to Marketing Week, it has become the fastest growing function on company
boards.
As a working group we fully represent the sector and are excited by the opportunity to raise awareness and build relationships. We are keen to support and enable our membership to have a greater understanding of the marketing process, to become better directors and successfully improve the performance of the businesses they lead.
Members of the founding leadership group are:
- Andy Wilkinson is the Founder of OWB Creative and Chair of IoD Birmingham.
- Jeremy Duncan (Joint Chair) is a Partner and Director at Reggie London.
- Trudy Lewis (Joint Chair) is the Founder and Director of Colinear, Fellow and Chartered PR Practitioner CIPR.
Aligned to IoD’s objectives to connect, develop and influence we will:
- Establish ways to connect members and partners through networking, topical forums and social events
- Encourage development and share knowledge both for those already in the industry and those directors looking to understand the discipline more.
To find out more and learn about the activities we have coming up or to contact us with any queries, please follow us on LinkedIn.
