21/01/2003

NI organisations celebrate success at European level

Northern Ireland must develop a culture that puts innovation, productivity and quality excellence at the top of the business agenda, according to Stephen Kingon, the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Centre for Competitiveness [CforC].

Mr Kingon was speaking last night at the 'Celebrating Success' event hosted by the CforC at the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.

Addressing an audience that included local Private, Public and Voluntary Sector members, he said: “Organisations in the Public and Private Sector that can compete in fast-changing, ever-challenging global markets will grow, prosper and create wealth. Those who can’t will ultimately fail. That is the stark message from the marketplace.

“We are facing a future where global competition and EU enlargement are increasing competition and driving down cost. Faced with that, innovation, productivity and quality offer the only means for Northern Ireland companies to differentiate themselves.”

The European Business Excellence model requires an organisation to perform at a high standard on nine key areas: leadership; policy and strategy; people; partnerships and resources; processes; customer results; people results; impact on society; and key performance results.

Over 400 people from the business community attended the event and the keynote speaker was Alan Jones, CEO of TNT

The event – incorporating the Northern Ireland Quality Awards – was designed to acknowledge those in the Private, Public and Voluntary Sectors on their 'Journey to Excellence'.

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