A primary school, an arts centre, and a care home were among eight organisations that picked up an award today (18 March 2003) in recognition of their commitment to staff development.

They have all achieved Investors in People (IIP) status - the national award for companies who are committed to developing staff skills in line with business planning. 

Representatives from each business (see notes) were presented with plaques at the special ceremony in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig by the chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Jim Hunter.

The eight organisations join 74 others who have already achieved IIP status in Skye and Lochalsh since the national programme was established over 10 years ago.  The programme is managed by Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE), and Gordon Bushnell, head of skills development at SALE, is keen to persuade even more organisations to sign up to the programme.

He said:  "This is a magnificent achievement for the area and it is our intention to convince even more businesses to commit to IIP.  The Investors in People standard helps businesses to get the best out of their employees by involving them in the development of the business, and ensuring they are appropriately trained, and it is a very worthwhile commitment."

Cànan received its first IIP award six years ago and was presented with its second re-recognition today.  Donella Beaton, Cànan's chief executive, feels the award has benefited the organisation.  She said:   "Investors in People is an excellent business development tool, and it has provided us with a useful framework for staff training and development.  A plaque on the wall is also an effective way to demonstrate to our clients that we invest in our staff and involve them in all stages of business development. "