EARLIER NEWS

Ministers listen to concerns of South West businesses

A press release issued by the South West of England RDA, reported that Government Ministers met with regional business and council leaders today to find out more about how the current economic downturn is affecting South West England, and published an economics report, "The South West of England Economy: A joint response to changing economic circumstances." More.....

New Appointments to Board of Quality South West
The Board of Quality South West Ltd is delighted to announce the following new appointments as of the 18th July 2008;
 
Emma Brereton (Non–executive Director) is elected Chair of the Board upon the resignation of Robin Grist as Chair and a Non–executive Director of the company.  The Board and staff wish Robin all the best in his retirement and thank him for all his support and commitment over many years.
 
The leadership and management of the company will be the responsibility of a team of three Executive Directors.  To this end, two new Executive Directors have been appointed – Vicki Johnson (Executive Director – Business Development) and David Tew (Executive Director – Operations), who join Brian Edwards to form the Executive team.

Investors in People Recognised Severnprint in the Sunday Times 50 Best Green Companies
Investor in People company, Severnprint Ltd of Gloucester, have been awarded an entry in the Sunday Times 50 Best Green Companies 2008 ranking 1st in the South West and 14th overall!
Richard Caseby, the Managing Editor of the Sunday Times, announced that only those organisations demonstrating the highest environmental standards with workforces wholly engaged and in tune with their green initiatives made it onto the list.
David Pealing, Sales Director of Severnprint commented "It's another environmental achievement to add to our collection and it is thanks, not only to our employees who are key to our success, but also to our customers, for their faith in us". www.severnprint.co.uk

33% of South West workforce is de-motivated
Research reveals nearly 2 out of 5 employees in the South West region are considering leaving their job in the next year.
 
33% of employees in the South West are de–motivated at work, according to research published today by Investors in People UK. Significantly, 38% are considering taking action and leaving their job in the next 12 months. More....
 
CBI Education and Skills Survey
Most senior executives involved in the survey – irrespective of the size of their firm – find the Investors in People (IiP) scheme helpful. IiP is a well–established business development tool and with high brand recognition – valued by employers and employees. Its aim is to put staff development at the core of business development and give recognition to firms who have met the standard. The scheme is designed to assess businesses’ skills needs, identify future goals and help companies meet those aims.
The standard’s success demonstrates the strength of the voluntary approach to training and must remain at the heart of the government’s strategy on raising skills. Half (51%) of firms in our survey had participated in Investors in People and were very positive about its benefits. Nearly three quarters (71%) felt that working towards the IiP accreditation had a positive impact on their business. But the main benefits of achieving Investor in People status were in ‘softer’ areas – over half (52%) saw the key benefit as improvements in staff morale. Improvements instituted in firms as a result of working towards IiP were less likely to result in ‘hard’ bottom–line benefits although a third (30%) of firms saw improved performance and nearly a quarter (24%) saw efficiency improvements. It is clear that employees value Investors in People as an effective way of driving cultural changes through organisations, helping all employees contribute more effectively to a shared goal.

People and the Bottom Line: the research in summary  
People and the Bottom Line is a research project exploring the link between the way employees are managed and organisational performance. The two–year study suggests that organisations with a comprehensive approach to people management perform better than those without, indicated by higher profits per employee, higher profit margins and higher productivity. The report also identifies the 12 core measures that are most effective in helping employers track the impact of their people management practices on business performance. More...
 
Swindon Borough Council Gains Investors in People Status
Swindon Borough Council’s drive to transform itself into an employer that can attract and retain the best staff has taken another step forward, with achieving the Investors in People Standard.
This is the first time the entire council, across all services and directorates, has been assessed . Achieving Investors in People recognition was one of the Council’s 50 Promises to the residents of Swindon. More.....

IIP Interactive Goes Live!
Investors in People Interactive provides a new innovative approach to working with Investors in People whether you are committed, recognised or just interested in developing your business. Responding to the ever growing need for the cost–effective delivery of tailored information and advice about the Standard, Investors in People Interactive is available online. It will become a key source not only of everything you need to know about the Investors in People Standard but also about the management techniques and approaches you can adopt to achieve (and retain) recognition. “We can now offer information, support and advice directly to you online,” explains Nishi Mayor, the Development Manager who has overseen the project. “We recognise that many organisations are now looking for guidance. As a result Investors in People Interactive will provide a wide range of downloads of good practice, case studies, hints and tips and other materials relevant to the kind of effective management which is needed to be recognised as an Investor in People.”  More....

IIP - A Business Superbrand
Investors in People has been awarded Superbrand status, confirming that the organisation which helps businesses improve their performance through their people, is one of the most recognisable and well respected brands in its field. More...