An Orkney based company, Opus Plus Ltd, who achieved an excellent review as part of their Investors in People (IiP) assessment received their award last week (Tuesday 12 April) from Brian Kynoch, chairman of Orkney Enterprise.

Talking about the company's success, Brian Kynoch said: "We are delighted that Opus Plus has achieved such high standards.  Clearly they are a high quality company with top quality leadership and an excellent workforce."

In recognition of the company's high standards the IiP assessor's report suggested Opus Plus were one of the most effective organisations he had ever assessed in terms of meeting and complying with the spirit of the IiP Standard, and in his opinion the company was an exemplar of how it should be done. 

The company is owned by Nigel and Maureen Weir who are based in the organisation's sister Company Opus Maxim Ltd, located in Guildford.  The two organisations provide complementary services for a large number of clients most of whom are involved in the offshore oil industry.

The firm currently has 14 members of staff based at impressive facilities located on the Talisman Energy oil terminal on the island of Flotta, in addition to the two Guildford directors.

Opus Plus has two operating parts, the engineering division and the marine laboratory, called Ecotox.  The engineering section is primarily involved in water treatment testing and equipment for a variety of clients while the Ecotox section conducts toxicology and biodegradability tests on offshore chemicals used in the oil industry prior to these being licensed for offshore use.   

Managing director, Nigel Weir, said: "The decision to acquire the business during 2001 was influenced by the expertise and positive attitude of the team.  These awards are recognition of the dedication of staff to deliver products and services of the highest quality.  The teamwork ethic within the organisation is very strong which really helps achieve these high standards."

IiP is a national standard designed to help improve businesses competitiveness by developing staff skills and motivation.  It is managed locally by Orkney Enterprise.