Planting the seeds of success with Investors in People through Lantra

RV Roger Ltd, a family owned nursery based in Pickering, North Yorkshire, is pleased to announce that it has successfully achieved Investors in People accreditation through Lantra.

The accreditation, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to engaging employees and improving performance, was awarded in January 2013.

Managing Director Ian Roger worked with Lantra Specialist Anne Stockdale to examine key business objectives and areas for improvement. Priorities included planning for the future to ensure staff have the relevant skills, developing new computer systems and developing a horticulturally driven retail area to attract customers.

The assessment involved providing feedback and offering suggestions as to how the Investors in People framework could help develop the company’s people practices to advance their business goals.

In addition, the assessment also highlighted a range of good practices when compared with the Investors in People framework. When interviewed, employees at RV Roger praised the productive working atmosphere, the varied nature of work, effective communication and openness at all levels. Recent business improvements have included investing in new machinery and buildings, doubling vegetable plant sales and attracting younger people to the company.

Anne Stockdale, who carried out the assessment said: “Ian and Anne Roger’s nursery business is a delight to work with. Being custodians of this business for future generations provides a considered way of thinking. It is much more than a job or career; this is a way of life for everyone here. That spirit is so evident and is enabling RV Roger Ltd to utilise the Investors in People framework to strengthen their future planning, promote their unique expertise and recognise their culture of engagement and flexibility.”

“We are delighted,” says Ian. “We have always tried to make sure that all staff grow and flourish. It is extremely important that everyone here feels a valued member of the team, and it’s great to have our ethos recognised by achieving the Investor in People Standard.” Director Anne Roger adds: “We felt it was important that the Investors in People accreditation focused heavily on the core values and ethics of the business. As an old firm, this year celebrating its centenary, it is a nice recognition that people are happy in their work, and that we all face the future as a strong unit. It’s an excellent opportunity to shape the direction and focus of the business based on feedback directly from those in the company.”

Lantra’s team of Specialists support land-based and environmental organisations across England to develop and achieve their businesses objectives using the proven Investors in People framework. The framework is flexible, practical and tailored to the needs of each individual organisation. It specialises in transforming business performance through people – assessing organisations across a range of criteria to help identify ways of improving performance.

For further details of how Lantra can support your business, visit www.lantra.co.uk/iip.