Menu
05/03/2002
Benchmarking for SME's promoted by the EC
Benchmarking, which involves making comparisons to identify best in class and highlighting areas for improvement within an organisation, has been identified by the European Commission (EC) as a tool for enhancing the competitiveness of European Industry.
Recognising the importance of benchmarking for small firms, CAM Benchmarking was established in 1994 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. CAM (Competitive Analysis Model) Benchmarking is a strategic benchmarking service aimed specifically at small firms. The benchmarking process at CAM is straightforward and where appropriate is facilitated by local development agencies.
This tool is provided completely free of charge and has been successfully used by almost 2000 local firms.
The European Benchmarking Network (EBN) was established by the European Commission in 1997 and currently has over 400 members from 15 Member States.
One area of focus for the EBN is benchmarking of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Over 99 per cent of all enterprises in Europe are small and medium sized with less than 250 employees. In general few small firms carry out any form of benchmarking activity, yet they are most in need of improving performance.
The EBF aims to find ways to simplify the benchmarking message to SMEs, it aims to spread the message regarding benchmarking to SMEs and also to key policy makers at national and regional levels. Its objective is to promote a common approach to benchmarking throughout Europe and to create synergies between those responsible for benchmarking in each market. It promotes the sharing of information between countries.
Among the reasons that small firms have not adopted benchmarking as a tool to improve competitiveness is that it is viewed as being too complicated, too costly, time-consuming and difficult to apply in a practical way which will add value to the firm.
(GB)
Recognising the importance of benchmarking for small firms, CAM Benchmarking was established in 1994 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. CAM (Competitive Analysis Model) Benchmarking is a strategic benchmarking service aimed specifically at small firms. The benchmarking process at CAM is straightforward and where appropriate is facilitated by local development agencies.
This tool is provided completely free of charge and has been successfully used by almost 2000 local firms.
The European Benchmarking Network (EBN) was established by the European Commission in 1997 and currently has over 400 members from 15 Member States.
One area of focus for the EBN is benchmarking of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Over 99 per cent of all enterprises in Europe are small and medium sized with less than 250 employees. In general few small firms carry out any form of benchmarking activity, yet they are most in need of improving performance.
The EBF aims to find ways to simplify the benchmarking message to SMEs, it aims to spread the message regarding benchmarking to SMEs and also to key policy makers at national and regional levels. Its objective is to promote a common approach to benchmarking throughout Europe and to create synergies between those responsible for benchmarking in each market. It promotes the sharing of information between countries.
Among the reasons that small firms have not adopted benchmarking as a tool to improve competitiveness is that it is viewed as being too complicated, too costly, time-consuming and difficult to apply in a practical way which will add value to the firm.
(GB)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 May 2017
Businesses Urged To Complete Environmental Benchmarking Survey
Businesses across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to complete the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey 2017. The survey benchmarks organisations against both their sector peers and leading Northern Ireland organisations, on the basis of their environmental management and performance in key areas.
Businesses Urged To Complete Environmental Benchmarking Survey
Businesses across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to complete the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey 2017. The survey benchmarks organisations against both their sector peers and leading Northern Ireland organisations, on the basis of their environmental management and performance in key areas.
05 August 2002
Small Firms Association warns of bleak future
The latest report from the Small Firms Association (SFA) has painted a bleak picture of the country's economic outlook. In its report the SFA warned Ireland was in danger of losing its competitive position and that the situation was deteriorating rapidly.
Small Firms Association warns of bleak future
The latest report from the Small Firms Association (SFA) has painted a bleak picture of the country's economic outlook. In its report the SFA warned Ireland was in danger of losing its competitive position and that the situation was deteriorating rapidly.
16 March 2016
Belfast Best Small European City For Business Friendliness
Belfast has been named as the best small European City for Business Friendliness, by fDi Magazine. Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of City Growth and Generation Committee at Belfast City Council accepted the award at the European Cities and Regions of the Future ceremony that took place at the world’s largest investment event at MIPIM in Cannes.
Belfast Best Small European City For Business Friendliness
Belfast has been named as the best small European City for Business Friendliness, by fDi Magazine. Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of City Growth and Generation Committee at Belfast City Council accepted the award at the European Cities and Regions of the Future ceremony that took place at the world’s largest investment event at MIPIM in Cannes.
23 February 2016
Belfast Wins Best Small European City For 'Business Friendliness'
Belfast has been named the best small European City for 'Business Friendliness', by the fDi Magazine – part of the Financial Times group. It was also ranked among the top ten European cities for its economic potential and its strategy for attracting foreign direct investment.
Belfast Wins Best Small European City For 'Business Friendliness'
Belfast has been named the best small European City for 'Business Friendliness', by the fDi Magazine – part of the Financial Times group. It was also ranked among the top ten European cities for its economic potential and its strategy for attracting foreign direct investment.
05 December 2003
Staff represenation needed for small businesses, say TUC
Three years after the majority of UK workers won the right to be represented by a union, six million employees in small firms are still being denied a voice at work, according to a report from the TUC.
Staff represenation needed for small businesses, say TUC
Three years after the majority of UK workers won the right to be represented by a union, six million employees in small firms are still being denied a voice at work, according to a report from the TUC.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
