Press Release
Investors in People
Standard gives Dorset kitchen design business 40% increase in turnover
With the
help of Business Link Wessex and the CITB-backed Blueprint Programme, Kitchen
Style Limited has become the first Investors in People (IiP) accredited company
of its kind in Dorset, as a result, turning profits around in just six months
and achieving a highly motivated and loyal workforce.
Operating
from a single showroom in Wimborne, Kitchen Style Limited offers a full design,
supply and installation service based on expertise spanning over 20 years.
Unable to
step back from the design and installation work to properly look at the
business, one day last year Managing Director Gary Rice received a call out of
the blue, which changed everything: “Right from the start Business Link Wessex
has been very helpful, really understanding my business and taking the time to
listen to my needs. Being introduced to IiP through the Blueprint Programme has
helped me form a solid business plan, based very much on the input of my
employees. I’ve appointed an installation manager, which means I can
concentrate more on running the company, and even with our turnover for the last
six months up by 40%, I’m not running around nearly as much as I used to. The
IiP process has been more straightforward than I ever thought, with very rapid
returns and it’s really made a massive difference to my business.”
Through
improved communication, the team has become highly motivated, actively taking
ownership within the company. Loyalty from contractors has increased with
priority given to Kitchen Style Limited on the basis of the work, rather than
the pay and it is generally a much more sociable atmosphere around getting the
job done well. This has led to happier customers and, alongside the recognised
IiP standard, valuable differentiation from the competition.
Looking
ahead, the firm is considering taking on another full-time designer, as well as
other ideas for improvement identified in the last IiP assessment. It also
continues to receive valuable advice from Business Link Wessex, including
working closely with them on training ideas. Adviser, Tricia Burst, confirms:
“In helping Gary achieve IiP status with the CITB Blueprint Programme, he’s
seen real benefit from a Quality Standard that is outcome based rather than
paper driven. Kitchen Style Limited now has a culture where everyone can have
their say, and through continuing to build the skills within his team, Gary has
time to focus on the overall business and its future.”
Business Link Wessex, the impartial
route to business advice, works with the Learning and Skills Council for
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to help companies across Hampshire and the Isle
of Wight achieve the Investors in People Standard. Businesses interested in the
benefits of Investors in People should call Business Link Wessex on 08454 58 85
58 or visit www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk
Media
Enquiries
Please
contact Sarah Babey at Lawton PR on 023 8082 8562 or email sarah.babey@lawton.co.uk
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