New Business Improvement Programme Launched

Central to the programme is the Investors in People (liP) Standard which provides a best practice framework designed to help organisations unlock business potential through developing the commitment, knowledge, skills and flexibility of their people. Across the UK some 27,000 organisations of all sizes, employing approximately 6.5 million people, are working with the Standard. Since 1994, 1,400 small, medium and large organisations from all sectors in Northern Ireland, have achieved IiP recognition. This is acknowledged as helping boost their competitive position and improve business performance. [caption id="attachment_6075" align="alignleft" width="253" caption="Down District Council Chairman Councillor Dermot Curran has welcomed the new business initiative. "][/caption] Participating companies will be in the position to gain accreditation of a nationally recognised best practice standard. They will also benefit from networking with local companies, identifying practical solutions to real business and people issues and receive feedback through the assessment process to drive on-going continuous improvement. Down District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Dermot Curran said, “Becoming an Investor in People, with Council support, provides an exceptional opportunity for local small and medium sized companies to achieve the standard for their own business. Our partnership with DEL delivering the Down District Investors in People Programme will include a package of workshops and on-site support provided by ES Consultancy, at a pace that suits local companies’ requirements. We are delighted to be involved in this way as part of our continuing support to the development of the business sector in Down District.” Manager of the Harbour House Inn, Frances Monteith, who achieved IiP Recognition from the previous programme added, “The programme was a real help to the business, it has helped us structure our approach to planning and training and has greatly improved the service we deliver to our customers.” If you are interested in participating or would like additional information please contact Ciara Newell, Investors in People Unit on 028 9090 5351 or email ciara.newell@delni.gov.uk. Alternatively contact Down District Council’s Beyond NI consultants on 028 4461 9870 or visit www.beyondni.co.uk for further information. ]]>