Braintree catering business, Phillers, has achieved the Investors In People standard (IIP).

The standard sets out a framework of good practice for the training and development of staff in order to help achieve business goals.

Jenny Jemison and her husband, John, both retired teachers, and their son John, took over Phillers, in Little Square, Braintree, in 1999.

The sandwich bar offers home cooked food to eat in or take away, as well as outside catering for business lunches, weddings and other functions.

The company wanted to gain IIP status to improve procedures already in place and to tackle the issue of high staff turnover.

Jenny said: "The IIP framework has been very beneficial to our business, enabling us to evaluate and improve our practice and procedures.

''It has also helped to motivate and develop our staff into a more effective and inclusive team and that means a lower staff turnover."

Published Thursday August 19, 2004

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