DE VERE PROVES ‘INVESTORS' PAYS

MANY in the industry have expressed doubts that Investors in People (IIP), the quality training standard, is little more than a catchy slogan. But now De Vere Hotels has hard statistics showing a more skilled and motivated staff and higher profits since it introduced IIP.

Speaking at a London conference on IIP this week, managing director Chalmers Cursley said he had initially had doubts, but the cost of implementation had paid dividends. "You may look at the standards with trepidation but for us it has been worth it," he said.

The company has about 3,000 employees and is the largest employer in the hotel industry to be awarded IIP so far. It started working towards the standard in 1991 and achieved it last year.

Mr Cursley said staff turnover had fallen by 30% over the past year. "This is not because of the recession - we believe it is due to an increase in pride and commitment, even in staff carrying out the most routine tasks," he said.

Seriously adverse comments by guests about staff, which could result in guests not coming back, had dropped by 31.8% in the six months ending March 1994. Less serious comments were down by 26.19%.

"IIP has brought hotels closer together - they see the value of teamwork to give the guest the best," said Mr Cursley.

He added that IIP had also contributed to better business performance. Sales for the half-year ending March 1994 were up on the previous six months by 10.3%, revenue per room was up by 7.4%, and operating profits were up 15.3%.

Mr Cursley said that prior to IIP being achieved a lot of money was being spent on training but much of it was being "wasted and misdirected".

Another speaker at the conference, Grand Metropolitan chairman Sir AllenSheppard, also entreated employers to work towards IIP. The group's Burger King chain is planning to implement IIP through pilot groups to be set up by May 1995.

Sir Allen said: "What more evidence do you need that your businesses will benefit from commitment to IIP? How can any business executive justify further delay? Where's the downside? As far as I can see it's all upside."

Companies in the industry that hold IIP include café owner Prospect Foods, Torquay Leisure Hotels and restaurant and pub operator J&W Nicholson & Co.