be recognised by an international employee training programme.

The jeweller joined Aberfeldy Nurseries, Air Care, Continental Motors, Department of Personnel Services, Esso City Automarket, Rosedon Hotel and the Veney Group in receiving the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) award.

IIP executive director Terry Bond said the programme was a great way for businesses to become more productive.

"This leads to companies becoming better at doing business,'' he said.

Participating companies follow four people-based quality standards of commitment, planning, action and evaluation, which are supported by 12 indicators of good business.

The programme encourages training employees to make them viable assets to their companies.

Overseas Partner Assurance chief financial officer Mark Bridges, whose firm is one of the sponsors of IIP, said employees in the company, which began the programme last week, were so far enjoying it.

He said: "The biggest thing is to show we care about our people. It came at a perfect time, because now we are ready to make some changes,'' he said. "It demonstrates the commitment we have to the people on board at any time. It lets us set goals, set individual goals for every person involved.'' Mr. Bond added: "People feel they have a role in the company. They feel they have an added interest in what's going on. Workers are being trained to meet their objective as well as the objectives of the company.'' Employees are given better chances for advancement by being trained as they work and the businesses become learning organisations.

"They have opportunities for future achievement,'' added Mr. Bond. "The worker leaves and goes home saying `I did my job and I feel good'.'' He noted that Government was also implementing the programme. With the Department of Personnel Services already winning the award, the Tax Commission recently began the programme.

"Customer service is improving,'' he said. "Companies have seen their bottom lines improve.'' IIP began in the 80's as a way for the British Government to assess its workers' quality.

BUSINESS BUC