No less than the Government has doffed its cap to a Thirsk firm it regards as simply the best.

The Department of Trade and Industry's Competitiveness Minister Alan Johnson presented a giant replica of an award to GSM Graphic Arts Ltd, of Thirsk at a special ceremony at Arabesque House, Monks Cross, the headquarters of Business Link North Yorkshire.

GSM Graphic Arts was named the best small and medium sized business in the DTI's Inside UK Enterprise programme (IUKE). It reflects the company's flexible and open management policy which encourages staff at all levels to contribute to its business development.

The company, which makes equipment labels, nameplates and front panels in metal and plastic, has made a giant copy of the award to display on the shop floor for the benefit of its employees.

The IUKE programme aims to increase productivity and profitability of UK companies by a system of shared experience among businesses around the country.

Companies with a good track record are invited to join the programme and share their operational ideas, sometimes even with their rivals, in a series of scheduled, hosted visits.

Presenting the award, Mr Johnson said: "I am very impressed with GSM Graphic Arts. It's a company which shows that good ideas are not simply the prerogative of management but they are welcomed and in fact encouraged by the entire workforce.

"GSM has shown how even the smallest changes and improvements can have a big impact on your level of operation and output. It's an excellent example of competitiveness through the networking of innovative management practices and that is exactly what the IUKE scheme is all about.

"The scheme proves that opening up your doors to other companies and sharing good practice is beneficial all round."

Using the Japanese Kaizen quality technique which introduces daily small changes for the better, the company has produced more than 4,000 improvements to its operations in four years.

Other systems the company operates are team empowerment with six teams covering all manufacturing processes and administration, each functioning as mini businesses.

Barry Dodd, its chief executive said: "We are very focused on communications which we believe to be the key to success. Daily 'cascade' team briefings mean that everybody knows today's objectives and yesterday's achievements.

"Companies who have visited us have all commented on the success of our open management style and how staff at all levels have a say in how we work."

While in York the Minister also visited the Evening Press Business Venture of the Year, York Nutritional Laboratory in Osbaldwick.

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