Investors In People (IIP) is a national standard which measures how well a company invests in its staff in order to achieve its business goals.

Focus, the Training and Enterprise Council for central London, works with businesses in Streatham and surrounding areas to become Investors in People.

Suzy Brain England, director of business services at Focus, said: "The IIP standard helps to make the recruitment and retention of staff, their training and development as systematic and as simple as possible.

"When the world which companies are serving is changing so fast, knowing that staff are focused on meeting the business issues has to make IIP the standard that's good for business."

Southwark's Ayscough Travel, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, is just one company Focus has helped.

In 1994, the Travel Management company began thinking about formalising its staff training programme and receiving recognition for its commitment to their staff.

It contacted Focus Central London and began working towards the Investors in People Standard.

Investors in People would act as a signal of the company's commitment to providing excellent service by training its workforce to the highest calibre.

Support for IIP was received throughout the company, from boardroom level to the most junior employees.

Alex Webb, personnel and training manager, said: "Not only was the whole IIP process very worthwhile, we also found the assessment enjoyable and the feedback we received was excellent.

"We are obviously proud of our achievement, and believe that obtaining IIP accreditation gives us a competitive edge in our business."

Lambeth and Southwark businesses wishing to take advantage of the many benefits of IIP should contact Robert James at Focus on 0171 896 8484.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.