Empey congratulates Belfast taxi company

'fonaCAB' has become the first taxi company in Northern Ireland to achieve Investors in People recognition.

Investors in People (IiP) is the leading framework for business improvement through people management. It is easy to use, flexible and focused on outcomes. IiP brings focus and direction to organisations, helping them meet their goals and adapt to change. It has been proven by research to increase profits, productivity, improve staff retention and sharpen an organisation’s competitive edge.

The Belfast-based taxi company was first to introduce computerised dispatch, in-car meters, roof signs, and uniformed drivers in private hire cars. With depots in both the South and East of the city, employing 60 administration staff and 500 drivers, fonaCAB’s commitment to business improvement and staff development has been proven by its recent success with Investors in People.

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, commented: "I congratulate fonaCAB on this excellent achievement. To be recognised as an Investors in People organisation is, in itself, a great accomplishment, but to be the first in your field is all the more commendable.

“The uptake of Investors in People in Northern Ireland is an encouraging sign for the local economy and should serve as an example to other employers not yet capitalising on the bottom-line business benefits. We tend to forget that businesses are, in essence, people, and the importance of local businesses investing in their people is particularly relevant at this difficult time for industry.”

William McCausland, Managing Director of fonaCAB, said: "Investors in People recognition highlights the improvements that fonaCAB has made in communicating, managing and training our staff to the highest standard. Investors in People is the leading people management benchmark of business improvement and this is a fantastic achievement for us."

Sir Reg will formally present fonaCAB with its Investors in People plaque and certificate at a group celebration to be held in Hillsborough Castle in November.

Notes to editors:

1. Investors in People (IiP), is a business improvement framework that helps organisations to compete and succeed through improved people performance. The framework is designed to help organisations develop the knowledge and skills of their people so that they can do what the business needs them to do.
2. Over 1,500 small, medium and large organisations from all sectors in Northern Ireland are currently using Investors in People to transform their businesses.
3. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7492. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

This is an automated distribution service - please do not reply to this email address.