BUSINESSES across West Kent could halve staff turnover and increase profit by signing up for Investors In People, experts have claimed.

Business Link Kent, which is responsible for accrediting firms across the county, celebrated Investors In People Week last month to convince small firms to join the Government scheme.

Jeff Gibson, operations director for the Kings Hill-based firm, said: "People say it is a programme for bigger businesses, and a lot of smaller businesses tend to think it is not for them.

"Also, they don't want to take the time to get involved. But they would be investing a small bit of time to accrue huge benefits."

He claims that firms joining the scheme will typically increase productivity by 70 per cent, and raise customer satisfaction by 80 per cent.

Investors In People is available to any business with more than five employees, and aims at making them improve by offering more training and development to their staff.

For more information about IIP contact Business Link Kent on 01732 878521.