At a first glance running a successful Formula 1 motor racing team and improving the effectiveness of businesses and organisations in the Highlands and Islands may seem to be worlds apart but the underlying principles are in fact remarkably similar.

That is the message being outlined to local businesses and organisations this week when Mark Gallagher, head of marketing at the Jordan Formula 1 Racing Team visits the area.

Mark is talking to audiences at the Inverness Thistle Hotel and Dingwall Academy in Ross-shire this week as part of a local drive to promote the Investors in People (IiP) initiative throughout these areas.

IiP encourages companies and organisations to make the most of their key resource - their staff - by developing their skills in line with overall business objectives. Locally, Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE) and Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) co-ordinate the initiative by providing practical support and advice for those working towards the standard.

During the visits Mark will emphasise the important role staff play in ensuring the success of any organisation, regardless of size, location or sector, and how ongoing investment in their future development is essential for creating interesting jobs and maintaining a competitive edge.

He said: "Although our organisation focuses ultimately on our two drivers, the team comprises of 250 people who have to work in a co-ordinated and effective way to make sure the best results are achieved. Effective training and development and keeping staff informed is a key aspect of creating a winning team and achieving your aims."

The Ross-shire event is the final in a series of locally held heats for this year's 'IiP Week' which has been based around the popular TV quiz 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire'.

Hilary Crick, head of IiP at RACE explained: "The events were designed to encourage organisations in the area to think about the potential benefits effective investment in staff can bring. The 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' theme was used to illustrate just how much businesses and organisations can benefit by going down the IiP route.

"This is the third successive year we have used this style of 'challenge' event to introduce organisations to the IiP concept and the advantages it can bring. Many who have attended these events in the past have now become IiP recognised and are gaining various benefits including improved work practices and efficiency savings."

Inverness and Nairn Enterprise used their event to emphasise how important IiP had been to a diverse range of organisations throughout the area. The 120 organisations now recognised include the Highland Car Club who attended the Inverness event.

Ian Fraser, head of skills development at INE said: "Voluntary organisations like the Highland Car Club can gain as many benefits through IiP as businesses do. They represent a significant proportion of all IiP recognitions in the INE area, helping them become more business like. This is especially useful when it comes to attracting funding and delivering services effectively."

Iain Campbell, treasurer of the Highland Car Club said: "Investors in People helped draw our membership, from a wide geographical area, closer together. It has also improved communication and efficiency at the club and contributed to our success this week at winning an award for the best organised rally in Scotland."