Investing in your people to build a better business

People are your competitive advantage and their good ideas make your business what it is. It takes sound management to turn those creative publishing ideas into profitable products. Successful businesses employ people who will take the company forward and invest in their development and careers.

Investors in People can be used as a framework for managing a business and improving its performance through the effective development of people. It can help a company, whatever its size, to create a working environment in which people are motivated, trained and developed, and focused on the aims of the business.

Ten key steps to building a better business:

Link people to your business strategy
Your business strategy should provide a focus for all your activities and priorities. Ensuring that everyone knows what you are trying to do, and why, will translate that strategy into real action, progress and profits.
Create the right culture
Successful publishing companies foster a strong culture that is receptive to change. Effective two-way communication and a positive working environment increase the commitment and contribution of everyone in the business.
Develop people in line with business objectives
Training and development ensures that employees have the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs effectively. It allows them to make a full contribution to achieving your business objectives.
Organise effective induction
Whenever you recruit new employees or move staff into new roles, you will need to bring them up to speed as quickly as possible.
Manage performance
The success of your business depends on your people. Performance management helps you maintain morale, focus and motivation. Everyone's performance should be regularly assessed against measurable targets.
Develop your managers
Managers are key to the success of a business, whatever its size. Those who recruit and manage staff should be competent to train and develop their teams.
Plan and deliver training solutions
The resources for training and development should be identified and prioritised. Appropriate methods of training and development will need to be selected and implemented.
Evaluate the effectiveness of training
The impact of training and development activity on the business should be measured. Progress towards measurable objectives is reviewed regularly and the strategic plan updated as a result.
Strive for continuous improvement
Companies need to ensure that their working practices continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the business. The forward-looking company recognises that there is always room for improvements and refinements.
Benchmark and review your business
Benchmarking your business provides you with a measurable status of where you are and gives and independent view. Assessing your business against the Investors in People standard will highlight strengths as well as areas for improvement in an objective way.
Useful contacts:
Periodicals Training Council, Queens House, 55-56 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LJ
Telephone: 020 7404 4168
Email: Click here to send an email.

Investors in People UK, 7-10 Chandos Street, London W1M 9DE
Telephone: 020 7467 1900

Contact your local Business Link for advice and support.