An industry first for J. Durrance & Co (Security) Ltd

'Investors has made a big difference to us,' says MD, Jimmy Durrance. 'We can all feel it. The vibes and whole culture of the company have changed - and that's been reflected in our performance.'

Profitability increased to over 65% and staff turnover reduced to zero. 'Everyone in the company is now much more focused and committed,' says Jimmy. 'Morale is at an all time high'

Such focus and commitment is welcomed by Blue Chip clients, such as BT, Dixons and Tandy.

'We've made tremendous strides in the last year,' says Jimmy. J. Durrance & Co now has 38 teams providing emergency cover across the whole country 24 hours a day. 'There's still a long way to go, but now we have a much clearer idea of how to get there. This is a really exciting time for us.'

'Our success has been very much a team effort,' says Jimmy. 'And our consultant has been very much a part of the team.' The company's consultant throughout was Ekos director, Glyn Debnam (working with Triangle South and London East Training and Enterprise Council - LETEC). '

It's big thanks to Glyn,' says Jimmy, 'that we've been able to achieve what we have achieved.'

According to J.Durrance & Co's assessor for IIP, Kim Doyle, 'The organisation has a positive approach to training and development and a culture that encourages all employees to meet their full potential.'

Jimmy would gladly recommend Investors in People to anybody. 'I'm for Investors 100%.'

The company's commitment to customer service was recognised and rewarded in March 1999 when, facing possibly the fiercest competition of any category, J.Durrance & Co (Security) Ltd won LETEC's coveted Blue Ribbon Award for Customer Care. 'This is down to my staff,' says Jimmy. 'Without them, none of this would have been possible. And we couldn't have done any of it without IIP and all Glyn's help.'

A jubilant Jimmy Durrance holding aloft the LETEC Blue Ribbon Award for Customer Care (sponsored by Midland Bank and presented by Valerie Singleton)

J. Durrance & Co is one of many companies that Glyn Debnam of Ekos Consulting has taken through Investors (in association with Triangle South and London East TEC).

April 1999