Employees at Strathclyde Homes believe in wearing their hearts on their sleeves. So pleased is every individual in the company at its IIP accreditation, every one has, since the award was presented in 1996, worn the official IIP pin badge.
It is to them proof that their managing director, John O'Neill, cares about the people who work for him. The company undertook IIP as a reflection of that and of the commitment to excellence which has seen it grow from an extension of Strathclyde Builders to one of the most successful housing developers in Scotland.
The company has established a solid customer base across Central Scotland and has developed a reputation for quality which was honoured at this year's prestigious ''Housebuilder of the Year'' awards.
The award for ''Impressions on First Visiting the Development'' was given to Strathclyde Homes for its standards of design, the appearance of its sites and the quality of its after-sales service. IIP was undertaken to keep those standards high and to help the 10-year-old company continue to develop and grow.
Office manager Lesley McLaughlan co-ordinated and implemented IIP. She held one-to-one meetings with every member of staff and chaired monthly staff meetings designed to help bring the company up to IIP standard.
''It was a relatively easy process,'' she said. ''Everyone understood the philosophy of IIP and we were already using and implementing some of the requirements as standard company practice. In most cases we had simply to write up existing verbal instructions.
''We worked with the GDA's appointed IIP adviser, Alex Main. His assistance was invaluable. I also attended workshops held by Glasgow Opportunities.''
Staff have entered into the spirit of the award - and McLaughlan has noticed some progress in staff development.
''Everyone is much more relaxed about approaching management when they wish to attend training courses or undergo specific training.
''During our monthly staff meetings, suggestions are more freely given when staff are asked for their comments.''
Having seen the increased autonomy and improved company environment winning IIP accreditation can bring, as well as the direct business benefits participating companies enjoy, McLaughlan recommends the process.
''IIP gives a tremendous sense of achievement and accomplishment. The results of our hard work have been excellent.''
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