AN organisation like the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has to set a good example to its more than 700 members.

That is why chamber staff at its headquarters at Monks Cross, Huntington, were today celebrating having achieved the Investors In People accreditation.

It took two years to achieve the valuable staff development standard after the new administration and management team took over two years ago to serve businesses in an area bordered by Settle, Richmond, Scarborough and Selby.

Since then the team has been extended to 12 and, as well as a vigorous drive to recruit new members, is running more events including business breakfasts, monthly networking lunches in Harrogate and York and quarterly in Scarborough. Staff at the chamber were helped in gaining accreditation by Business Link York and North Yorkshire, its Monks Cross neighbour, with which it works in close co-operation.

Chamber chief executive Len Cruddas said: "We unanimously feel that this process has been hugely beneficial for us both by creating greater team work to achieve our goals and in enabling staff to assess and improve their own development.

"We are aware that IIP recognition is a well-regarded, positive approach to business and staff development and we are grateful for the assistance of Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

"Now that we have been through this process ourselves we are in a stronger position to advise any of our members wishing to take up the challenge."

Updated: 09:47 Tuesday, June 22, 2004