Mon, 24 Jan 2011
Investment in staff training has been cited as one of the contributing factors to a spike in profits at hardware chain B&Q.
Over the course of the three months up to the end of October, the company saw profits rise by 45 per cent, pushing its total takings in this period up to £43 million.
According to Euan Sutherland, chief executive officer at the firm, the improvements seen in B&Q's profits are evidence that its investments in training staff are paying off, reports the Mirror.
Some £2 million has been spent on developing its workers to ensure they have the skills necessary to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
The company has paid for 17,000 of its workers to take City & Guilds courses.
As well as spending more on developing workers, B&Q has also invested in new products and showrooms in a bid to boost sales.
Earlier this year, the DIY firm's human resources director Liz Bell told the Mirror: "Having staff who are knowledgeable and able to offer trusted service is a priority."
She said it is vital that employees are informed about the products they are selling so they can provide consumers with advice and tips on the materials and goods they are purchasing.
While Mr Sutherland accepted that some of the bumper sales in the run-up to Christmas could be attributed to improvements in the market, he said the company's recent measures to boost revenues could not be ignored as a contributing factor.
"A lot of it is down to what I'd call self-help, action we've taken to reduce costs and run the business more efficiently," he commented.
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