Hundreds of Bradford firms are keen to offer "people power" to their staff by taking up a new version of Investors in People.

Some 275 businesses and organisations attended the local launch of the new standard at the city's Cedar Court Hotel.

The event, which attracted sociologist, writer and broadcaster Professor Laurie Taylor, was organised by Bradford & District Training & Enterprise Council

Investors in People has marked its tenth anniversary by giving itself a new look which Jeremy Webster, a management consultant with Crane Davis, said was more accessible for companies, even better for employees and employers alike, and put even more emphasis on continuous improvement.

He said: "It looks more at outcomes than procedures, more at learning rather than training, and now has 12 indicators compared to the previous figure of 23."

The event attracted companies which have already gained IiP, those who have made a commitment to achieving IiP status and others who have shown interest in attaining the national standard.

They were told by Peter Russian, development manager of Investors in People UK, that there were now more than 17,000 businesses which had gained recognition as an Investor in People and a further 21,000 who have made a commitment to achieving the standard.

"That means that 7.5 million people - a third of the total UK workforce - are now directly involved in Investors in People and the figures are continuing to gather pace," he said.

"Organisations who have gained Investors in People know the benefits all too well. It produces a happier and productive workforce. When a business accepts that its greatest asset is its people and recognises the need to keep them fully trained and updated in skills, the benefits soon follow."

The event was introduced by Michael Parkinson, president of Airedale Springs and chairman of the TEC's IIP Recognition Committee.

Organisations who want more information about the new version of Investors in People should contact the TEC on (01274) 751367.

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