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Empey sets challenge for local businesses

9 October 2009

Employment Minister Sir Reg Empey today congratulated the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce on its recent achievement of Investors in People recognition.

Investors in People is the leading framework for business improvement through people management.  It is easy to use, flexible and focused on outcomes.  Investors in People brings focus and direction to organisations, helping them meet goals and adapt to change.  It has been proven by research to increase profits, productivity, improve staff retention and sharpen an organisation’s competitive edge.

Speaking of the Chamber’s achievement, Sir Reg, commented: “I am particularly enthused by the Chamber’s achievement, an organisation that has proven it practices what it preaches.  This is a very strong endorsement of Investors in People in Northern Ireland.  Let this be a clear message to other local employers not yet capitalising on the bottom-line business benefits.  I challenge all local businesses, especially those members of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, to follow suit and see for themselves the real benefits that Investors in People can bring.”

Over the past 18 months, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has undergone a significant change management process driven by the introduction of a new Chief Executive and supported fully by the Chamber President and Council members.   Chief Executive, Ann McGregor, was delighted with the recent achievement and said: “Achieving Investors in People recognition is an important milestone in the development of the Chamber as it helps reinforce the significance of our people in the Chamber’s success.  It also confirms that the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, even at 226 years old, is a modern and dynamic organisation, striving to serve our members to the highest of standards.”

Bro McFerran, Chamber President and Managing Director of Allstate Northern Ireland Ltd, a current Investors in People Champion organisation, added: “I congratulate Ann and her team on their recent achievement.  Investors in People recognition is a testament to every single member of the Chamber and proof of their dedication and commitment to transforming it and ensuring its future success.”

In supporting Northern Ireland employers, the Department for Employment and Learning’s Investors in People Centre offers a range of practical measures including a free initial consultation and, for small to medium sized enterprises, financial subsidy against the cost of assessment.  

Notes to editors:

  1. Investors in People (IiP) is a business improvement framework that helps organisations to compete and succeed through improved people performance.  The framework is designed to help organisations develop the knowledge and skills of their people so that they can do what the business needs them to do.
  2. Over 1,500 small, medium and large organisations from all sectors in Northern Ireland are currently using Investors in People to transform their businesses.
  3. A photograph of Sir Reg Empey, Ann McGregor and Bro McFerran is available for download from the DEL website at www.delni.gov.uk/iip-recognition external link.
  4. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.