Lantra, the Sector Skills Council supporting land-based industries, announces today, 1 April, that they have been appointed to accredit the Investors in People programme to agricultural businesses in England.

Investors in People is a business improvement tool which links staff development with increased business profitability and levels of service. Investors in People supports and accredits employers that follow a structured business development programme. Research shows that the Investors in People programme helps improve the financial performance of a business, by helping them continually strive to deliver quality products and services.*

Lantra is one of five newly approved centres, and is the first Sector Skills Council (SSC) to have this opportunity and responsibility. The programme is now run by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

Peter Martin, Lantra’s Chief Executive, said: “Investors in People helps businesses become more competitive, dynamic and professional which is why we believe in the programme. We don’t just believe in it though, we also live by it. We have been strong supporters and promoters of Investors in People since we were first accredited in 1995.

“We are excited to be an Investors in People centre because the business and skills development that it supports are an exact fit with Lantra’s work. Many of the programme’s objectives and activities mirror Lantra’s own programmes”.

John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning said: "The refreshed Investors in People network will offer greater choice for organisations wishing to achieve or maintain their Investors in People status. I'm delighted that Lantra will be part of it."

Peter continued: "Lantra is committed to improving workforce competence, improving business and management skills and reducing skill shortages. Employers need to constantly review and update the skills of their staff and ensure that their skills are fully utilised. Only by doing this can they maximise the return possible from their staff, who are their greatest asset. I am proud that Lantra will be able to help this hugely important sector grow and develop through Investors in People.”

For more information or to register your interest in this programme please visit www.lantra.co.uk/investors-in-people or email investorsinpeople@lantra.co.uk. Follow Lantra on Twitter at http://twitter.com/LantraSSC.