Allianz Celebrates Additional Accreditation

Allianz, the insurance group which employs 100 people in central Belfast, is among 34 organisations from across Northern Ireland celebrating additional accreditation at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels against the prestigious Investors in People (IiP) framework.

Derek Baker, Permanent Secretary of the Department for Employment and Learning, congratulated the organisations receiving the business award at a celebration event held in Belfast Castle.

Mr Baker said: "This is a very special occasion as it celebrates Northern Ireland’s businesses going above and beyond excellence, through Investors in People. We know that organisations that invest in their people are much more likely to survive difficult times and times of change. It is commendable that those organisations achieving additional IiP accreditation, at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels, have demonstrated a clear commitment to continuing to invest in their people - and are indeed seeing the business benefits of doing so."

The Permanent Secretary continued: "One of the key things that differentiates an organisation is its people. This is unambiguous. Businesses are facing the same challenges; and it’s tough out there at the minute. Technology and machinery are often similar within a sector. Competition can be fierce. So what gives a business the edge? It is your people. Your people, their skills, and how you manage them - that is what will transform your business performance."

Stressing the importance of the Investors in People process, Mr Baker concluded: "If you develop the skills of your employees and improve your employee engagement, success will ultimately follow. This has been proven, through working with Investors in People, time and time again, and its relevance is as important as ever."

(CD/MH)