But the team is also increasing its emphasis on attracting more small businesses to the fold.

At last count there were 161 individual members and 21 corporate memberships, led by one of the largest companies in the world, Shell.

The Bermuda Government, top insurance companies, banks and law firms, and others have all pledged a commitment to seeking new ways of training staff for the betterment of all concerned.

The corporate memberships represent 134 individuals.

Team chairman, Mr. David Kneisler, says that preparations are underway to stage a sharing rally on April 19 at Sedgwick Management Services' board room in Cumberland House for the initial 23 people who attended a seven-night seminar on quality awareness a year ago.

It is a move by the team to organise a recognition committee to assess their success.

"We want to share in the successes had by those individuals who took the concepts back to their place of business, or identify where the stumbling blocks were in their attempts to promote quality in the workplace,'' said Mr.

Kneisler.

The team has not always experienced direct acceptance of the need to improve in certain workplaces. In some cases, there has been resistance.

Said Mr. Kneisler: "With some it takes time. I've been aware of some companies that would allow their staff to get the training, but then provide no way for them to implement what has been learned.

"Some companies, in their day to day activities, do not see the long-term benefits to their business. But just casual observation makes you realise that there's a definite need for it.

"Our service industry is in need of some improvements in a very big way.

We need to process people faster, more efficiently and in a more pleasant way.

"You'll hear many people say that history will show you that the automatic 15 percent gratuity system has hindered service. They understand that it's all subject to wage negotiations, but they see it as a part of the reason that service, in some cases, has gone downhill.'' Mr. Kneisler said that there was still a team desire to reach more top level business managers with ideas that can be disseminated throughout their firms.

"We're a very rich country, but people are not always getting value for money.

"Better service will mean better benefits, more tourists. And the beauty of the idea is that it is not a 9 to 5 thing. You can take it home with you.'' Mr. Kneisler said that many business people were beginning to understand that the type of quality in business that was being promoted by the team was no different from other popular programmes.

"Quality is just like the seven habits of successful men,'' he said. "We need to go back to basics and restate our goals and objectives.

"You can always find people who are doing things that are inappropriate.

They need to be trained, as a way to promote a successful organisation.

"People generally believe that they are doing their jobs the best way they know how. But there is always an alternative and our role and responsibility is to show managers and employees that there is a way to improve. Everyone can benefit in the end.'' The Bermuda Quality Awareness Team is not responsible for the training, but they point companies and individuals in the right direction.

The team has its own newsletter. Individual memberships are $35 and corporate memberships $25 and $30 per employee.