15/03/2007

Solutions SK Wins Investors in People Award

Solutions SK Ltd, Stockport Council's wholly owned company, has recently been awarded the Investors in People (IiP) accreditation.

The company has also been congratulated by the Chair of the Investors in People Recognition Panel on its commitment and hard work to gain this prestigious award.

Solutions SK is a newly created, limited company that provides a diverse range of services to Stockport Council, borough residents, public sector organisations and private businesses. They employ nearly 1,000 staff and the main office is based in Cheadle Heath.

The IiP Assessor's report highlighted the 'smooth transition to the new company had been handled extremely efficiently, particularly with regard to communication and consultation'.

The report also highlighted how the 'package of learning triggered by becoming a wholly owned company, for example, commercial awareness and business planning, had boosted both knowledge and confidence.'

Councillor John Pantall, Non Executive Board Member for the company said: "Solutions SK is a business underpinned by the commitment of its employees, motivated by the working environment to perform at the highest level. This recognition is a huge achievement and reinforces all the work done by employees."

Solutions SK had several strengths highlighted in the report, notably strong perceived commitment to people development, involvement of all staff in planning processes, provision of a wide range of development opportunities and effective evaluation.

Solutions SK's Managing Director, Nic Cox, said: "We are delighted to have achieved the IiP standard - it is an excellent means of helping us to employ and keep people of the highest calibre within the organisation. We put a strong emphasis on training and customer care and this enables our staff to fulfil their potential, be enthusiastic about their personal achievements and those of the company, whilst enjoying the work they are doing. This award displays our commitment to our staff and we are very proud to have received it within such a short time of the new company's formation."

Pictured: Non-Executive Board Member for Solutions SK, Councillor Ben Alexander, Solutions SK IiP representative Janet Phillips, and Councillor John Pantall.