Press release. Design firm recognised for putting its people first

A leading mid-Devon design firm which has been growing its business through staff development and motivation has been awarded the Investors In People (IIP) standard for the second consecutive time.

Cullompton-based SW1’s ongoing focus on motivating and developing it staff has enabled it to expand its business portfolio by 62 per cent already since it first achieved the standard in 2005, by meeting client needs with increasing flexibility and efficiency thanks to the IIP framework that SW1 now works within. 

The agency, which delivers a suite of design and marketing services to clients throughout the UK, aims to double its turnover in the next three years and has just recently opened a satellite office in Bournemouth.

“Our staff are definitely the key to our success,” says Graeme Statton, founder and managing director of SW1 which was set up 17 years ago in 1991.  “The Investors in People framework has helped us cultivate our most valuable asset – our people.  It demonstrates to our clients that we have a ‘best practice’ approach and enables us to consistently exceed expectations, because our staff are focused, effective and motivated.

“Ongoing staff training and the constant re-evaluation of internal systems form the backbone of our investment in our people.  The business success we enjoy as a result means job security and satisfaction for everyone as we share the rewards of both individual and company achievements.”

The Investors in People standard was established in 1990, with 30,000 organisations covering 27 per cent of the UK work force now recognised as IIP employers.  The aim of the standard is to provide a framework that helps organisations improve performance and realise objectives through the effective management and development of their people.

SW1 currently employs nine full and part time staff in its offices just outside Cullompton.  The firm works with a range of clients who are UK and European market leaders in sectors such as perfume, road crash barriers and agriculture. 

The company’s flexibility and motivated workforce has enabled it to respond to changing marketing needs in recent years, particularly the rise in demand for electronic marketing services.  It is also successfully expanding its exhibitions, event management and business development services portfolio, which regularly take staff out of the region and abroad.

SW1 is now keen to grow the proportion of business it does with organisations in the South West region which equally recognise the value and benefits of the IIP standard.

For more information about SW1 and the marketing services it offers visit www.sw1.co.uk or call 01884 35577.  For more information about the Investors in People standard visit www.investorsinpeople.co.uk.

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