RUSSELLS Construction has been praised for commitment to its workforce by the organisation dedicated to improving standards. The
Trafford-based firm has been handed the coveted Investors in People Award and joins an exclusive club of just 2,000 contractors to
have been recognised in this way.
An alliance has been created between Investors In People UK and the ConstructionSkills organisation in order to encourage more
participation within the industry. Using the framework laid down by the alliance, the aim is to secure an improvement in standards and
business practice through the development of skills, commitment to staff and management strategies.
Liam Linacre of Investors in People North West said: "We are delighted to confirm Russells Construction has been recognised for its hard
work and commitment and offer our congratulations.
"In conjunction with ConstructionSkills, we are working with the industry to encourage the uptake of training and investment in people
to ensure a safer and more motivated workforce. In addition, the government is keen to increase skill levels within the sector to prevent
a future skills shortage. This also has a visible business benefit for companies which suffer as a result of inadequately skilled workers
and poor productivity."
To meet the standards set by Investors In People UK, Russells Construction had to demonstrate a successful programme of planning and
achieving development strategies to improve the performance of the business through good practice in human resources and leadership.
Employee interviews were conducted to capture staff opinions and to ascertain their involvement with the company's future development.
Andrew Russell, managing director for Russells Construction, said the company was able to achieve this in a variety of ways, including
having demonstrated its maintained commitment to staff training and development. Despite the downturn, the company has a significant
portion of its work force currently undertaking qualifications from NVQs to degrees.
He said: "Success is down to the team you have around you and so it is key to ensure they have the skills, experience and motivation to
help you achieve your aims. I believe it is vitally important for any business to thrive, that it has the support of its employees.
"As a company we are constantly learning and improving, the benefits of which are passed on to our clients. Our involvement with
Investors in People provides us with a framework for continued development which can only serve to improve the service which we offer."
