Sports Manufacturer Achieves Goal

"An insatiable spirit of continuous improvement" was the verdict on Lowestoft company Harrod UK as it sailed through its Investors in People (IiP) Bronze Award assessment with flying colours.

Harrod UK have retained IiP status since their initial assessment in 1996, but this was the first time that it has aimed for one of the three prestigious new levels of assessment. The company requested Bronze Award assessment, the first step in the process, and was delighted to achieve success.

IiP Assessor Dave Abdul spent time at the company's Lowestoft base interviewing a cross section of staff and senior management in order to gain an extensive overview of company procedures, practice and staff investment. Mr. Abdul commented on the positive environment of support and encouragement at Harrod UK, with particular praise for the way in which the directors "recognise staff as their most valuable asset".

HR Manager Hazel Stimpson helped co-ordinate the assessment, and is thrilled with the outcome: "Following a very enjoyable couple of assessment days and the wonderful result of achieving Bronze at the first attempt, next year we are aiming to jump two levels to the Gold award, and I am confident that with the fantastic team we have we can repeat our success".

The Investor in People Standard provides a framework to help a company achieve success through its people. The benefits to a company of achieving IiP status include enhanced quality, improved motivation and increased productivity.

Harrod UK are the UK's leading manufacturer of sports equipment whose goals can be found at prestigious venues across the world, including Wembley Stadium. They operate from the Lowestoft site alongside sister company Harrod Horticultural who supply high quality gardening products via mail order with a focus on 'Grow your Own'.

Image: (L-R) Chairman Ron Harrod receives the Bronze Award from Dave Abdul