The summer of 1997 was a busy time for Bruce Murray Recruitment. Business levels were rising and co-founding partner of the company, Jennifer Clarke, gave birth to a baby boy. Despite the chaos, Clarke, Nora Stewart and their eight staff still found the time to achieve their IIP accreditation.

The company, a successful player in the Glasgow recruitment market, was founded by Stewart and Clarke seven years ago. It provides commercial and accounts staff to a range of companies.

Combining the personal touch of a small agency with expertise the two founders gained in six years with a national recruitment company proved a positive move - even when the odds were against them.

''We started in the height of recession with a lot of people shaking their heads at us,'' said Stewart. ''We proved them wrong though, and have built long-term relationships with clients. Getting to know clients and consistently meeting their needs is how we have built the company.''

Bruce Murray was approached by the GDA about IIP 18 months ago. A private assessor established that the company had more than enthusiasm to see it successfully through the process.

''It was clear that with some work, we could be successful at IIP,'' said Stewart. ''We wanted to be formally approved for the way in which we already train and encourage our staff to be the best they can. With IIP, we were able to voice this to staff - they are very important in the overall scheme of the company.''

The company had already invested in its workforce with appraisal systems, monthly staff meetings and individual action plans in line with business objectives. The process was easily implemented - with a little advice from the GDA.

''Occasionally we would encounter problems, but the GDA were very much the sane, calm advisors at the end of the phone,'' said Stewart. ''They kept us on track and provided the right guidance.

''The process was easy. Once it's established, you can see the sense of it and it flows. Staff were gratified because it underlined their place in the company and its future. It developed their strengths and minimised their weakness - the training has added a new dimension to their skills.''

External reaction has also been positive. ''Our clients were happy to see us gain approval and feel much more comfortable with that,'' said Stewart.

''It conveys that we have taken on ideas, looked at them and decided the best way forward for our organisation. It's a very fulfilling project - I would encourage other companies to become involved.''