TWO West Devon companies are celebrating the fact they have been presented with an Investors in People award. Specsavers Opticians in Tavistock has been recognised as an Investor in People organisation after achieving the standard required for commitment to training and development. The high street optician has been recognised after demonstrating excellence in the development of its workforce by improving the performance of its staff. Specsavers focuses on achieving clear and consistent communication, creating a feeling of involvement and understanding of the company?s objectives. Store director Nicola Hambly says: ?We?re really proud to be recognised as an Investor in People. Staff training is very important to us as we invest heavily to be able to provide the best possible service to our customers.? Specsavers in Tavistock first opened in 2002 when Specsavers invited Miss Hambly and fellow director Mark Harmen to join the UK?s largest optical retailer. Specsavers in Tavistock finds itself in the top five of all Specsavers stores across the South West region, accord to Mystery Shopper results. In recommending Specsavers Opticians in Tavistock for recognition as an Investor in People, assessor Bob Savory said: ?There is a friendly working environment and good team spirit. Staff receive appropriate and constructive feedback on a timely and regular basis at staff meetings, regular appraisals or discussions about customer perceptions. ?I found that this approach to managing staff has currently secured a significant amount of good will and loyalty from the majority of staff.? A Devon company renowned as an industry leader in the installation and design of communication equipment is also celebrating after being recognised as an Investor in People. Beacon Communication Services has invested in staff development to raise expectations throughout the company, creating a multi-million pound organisation whose high-tech expertise is the envy of its rivals. This commitment has enabled the Tavistock-based business to move from strength to strength, providing clients up and down the country with complete communication solutions to them bridge any technology gaps. ?We are delighted to be recognised as an Investor in People,? said managing director Mark Manton. It is a remarkable success story based on Mr Manton?s determination to create a dynamic company capable of meeting the multi-faceted demands for modern communications. Formed in 1993, it has relied on steady and maintained organic growth to widen its areas of expertise from aerial rigging to full site design, analysis, fabrication, installation and commissioning. Mr Manton said the success of the company is directly linked to the skills and performance of its staff and the wide conduit of communication between them and their clients. This is underpinned by an unwavering commitment to staff development which has lead to numerous training opportunities. Because external standards and programmes are used, particularly industry and supplier qualifications, Beacon Comm ? as it is now known ? has teamed up with providers such as Western Power Distribution, East Midlands Electricity and the Red Cross to ensure its staff are given all the skills they need to maintain their industry-wide reputation for excellence.
