BUSINESSES and organisations in the North-east are leading the UK with their commitment to improving business performance through the Investors in People framework.

Figures showed the region has more employees working in organisations using IIP than any other region in the UK. More than 32% of the North-east workforce is employed by an organisation using IIP compared with a national average of only 30%.

Robert Macleod, MD of Investors in People North East (IIPNE), said: “Businesses in the region deserve a real pat on the back for their enthusiasm and commitment to business improvement.

“IIP is now recognised as the UK’s premier business improvement tool and North-east organisations have obviously been quick to recognise that.

“We strengthened our team of highly experienced IIP specialist advisers and assessors and launched a new website (www.iipne.co.uk) as part of a drive to help more North-east businesses boost their productivity and profit.

“It is great to see North-east organisations taking advantage of the local tools and support we have made available.”

Independent evidence has proved the benefits IIP can bring to a business include improved productivity and higher profits. margins.

More and more organisations are taking advantage of working with IIP, especially in difficult economic times when businesses need to have a sound base and framework to work from in order to stay profitable and competitive, said Mr Macleod.

“We now have around 2,000 businesses ranging from engineering and construction companies to universities and hospices working with IIP and the number of new organisations coming on board each month is increasing fast.

“We are extremely pleased to see the region is taking the opportunity to benefit from this nationally-recognised standard.”