BUILDERS merchants JT Dove has gained the Investors in People (IIP) standard.

Following the accreditation of the Newcastle group, managing director John Withers is delighted with the positive change in his staff.

He said: "Through the retention and development of staff, businesses can maintain and build on the pool of expertise and experience that is available.

"We wanted to make changes to our organisation and we wanted to make them fast. By working with the staff we are able to make them swiftly.

"We are now reaping the benefits as a company, and passing on those benefits to our customers who depend on the expertise of our staff."

Working alongside IIP advisor Diane Smith, JT Dove was able to put systems in place that formalised much of the good work that had been started. Mr Withers said: "It's fair to say that the desire was already there to make the change, but achieving the IIP standard will help the company move forward."

In fact, so impressed was Mr Withers by Business Link, that he has been persuaded to take up a position as a board member of Business Link Tyne and Wear.

He said: "The relationship will still be a two-way one, for myself and JT Dove. "We can still learn a great deal from Business Link, but as business people our input and experience is also valued.