Staff and management at the South Kintyre Credit Union are celebrating after receiving the Investors in People (IIP) award, the national recognition for organisations that aim to develop staff skills in line with business planning.

The Union was formed in 1997 and now has 15 volunteers operating from its premises in Longrow, Campbletown.

Its chairperson, Jackie Fulton, said:  "I am delighted that the credit union has been awarded Investors in People status and I attribute this success to the ongoing commitment of the volunteers.  Their personal development through the IIP process has helped them achieve more than they would have thought possible and that is immensely satisfying for everyone."

IIP for the company was achieved with advice and support from Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE).  IIP advisor with AIE, Eric McNally, said:  "It's great to see the Credit Union receiving IIP.  It is particularly well deserved because of the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers undertaking training and development in their own time.

"We always encourage companies of any size and type to consider IIP as part of their business planning and development.  In most cases it improves business, particularly planning, communication and management.  It can also help create a more positive working environment and many private sector companies even attribute increased profits to IIP."