Northern Ireland companies lead the way in IIP

Northern Ireland companies are leading the way by investing in their biggest asset – their people.

Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Sean Farren, praised the work of around 35 local organisations that had achieved Investors In People (IIP) recognition during the past four months.

Speaking at Northern Ireland’s second Investors in People Group celebration event held at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Dr Farren said it was encouraging to be able to congratulate so many winners from the small to medium sized business sector.

The Minister said: "Those organisations will already be experiencing some of the tangible benefits of the standard. These include an increased business focus among staff leading to improved morale, reduced absenteeism, better staff retention, reductions in wastage, increased competitiveness, turnover and profit.

"No matter what the size or sector of business, we have to continue our efforts to improve our flexibility and competitiveness so that we can compete successfully on a local, national and world stage. The Investors In People standard is one such tool that will help support the growth of the Northern Ireland economy."

The Minister said that 498 organisations in Northern Ireland had now been recognised as IIP, well ahead of the UK average.

Meeting the IIP standard is viewed as a business improvement tool that helps organisations to focus on developing the knowledge and skills of their staff. (SP)