Hiring vs training marketers: how CIM qualifications help you build leaders from within.

Written by Claire MacDonald
on 18 Jun 2025

In a fast-paced, ever-evolving marketing landscape, the pressure on businesses to deliver results has never been higher. Whether you’re a small business owner wearing multiple hats or a marketing director leading a growing team, you’ve likely faced a common dilemma: Do I hire someone new, or invest in developing the people I already have?

While hiring might seem like the quickest fix, building capability from within can create far more lasting, strategic benefits. And with CIM-accredited training from providers like TMLA, that process is more flexible, practical, and impactful than ever.

In this article:

The cost of constant recruitment.

Let’s face it – recruiting top marketing talent isn’t just expensive. It’s time-consuming, competitive, and often risky. Salaries for experienced marketers continue to rise, and even after onboarding, there’s no guarantee of a good cultural fit or long-term commitment. According to CIPD, the average cost of replacing an employee can exceed £6,000 – and that’s before you factor in the lost time, productivity dips, and recruitment agency fees.

When budgets are tight and agility is key, that kind of outlay isn’t always sustainable.

The case for training from within.

Upskilling your existing team is often a smarter, more strategic alternative. It’s not just about filling gaps – it’s about building a culture of learning, loyalty and leadership. With the right development in place, junior team members can confidently step into more senior roles, while more experienced staff can sharpen their strategic thinking and stay ahead of marketing trends.

Here’s why more organisations are choosing training over hiring:

Faster integration - Existing staff already understand your brand, values, and customers.
Higher retention - Investment in people builds loyalty and reduces turnover.
Better ROI - Training is often significantly more cost-effective than recruitment.
Long-term capability - You’re not just plugging a hole, you’re building future leaders.

How CIM qualifications deliver real business impact.

That’s where the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) comes in. Recognised globally and trusted by employers, CIM qualifications are designed to be immediately applicable, giving learners the confidence and tools to make an impact from day one.

But why choose us to provide your CIM training? At TMLA, we make CIM training work for businesses of all sizes:

Flexible online learning to work around day-to-day work.
Implementable knowledge & tools to ensure knowledge can be directly applied to your organisation’s challenges.
Supportive tutors and peer communities create a space for feedback, growth and reflection.
Strategic progression pathways help you build talent at every level - from entry-level marketers to senior decision-makers.
A credit scheme that allows you to purchase training credits to use at a later time - ideal for making the most of budgets and planning ahead.

Building a resilient, marketing-led business.

The truth is, your team could already hold the potential you’re looking for. With the right training and support, you can help them achieve that potential, build internal capability, and future-proof your marketing function – all without the churn and cost of constant recruitment.

At TMLA, we believe in equipping marketers to thrive. Our CIM-accredited programmes are built to fit around your business, not disrupt it. Whether you’re nurturing raw talent or sharpening strategic leadership, we’re here to help you gain knowledge and create change.

Ready to invest in your team’s growth?

Explore our CIM qualifications today and let’s talk about building a stronger marketing future from the inside out.