Ian Ferguson is Chairman of Data Connection Ltd, a leading computer communications and telephony technology company he founded more than 25 years ago. Earlier this year (2008) Data Connection was placed 14th in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For, reflecting the fact that the company’s success is built on investing in the skills and development of its people.
Ian is a member of the Learning and Skills Council’s (LSC) National Council and Deputy Chairman of the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network.
What do businesses gain from training their staff?
All the evidence shows that training improves staff retention and motivation – and, even more importantly, it improves the effectiveness with which people do their jobs. Well-trained staff are more productive and better at their jobs. That in turn makes them happier, makes them want to stay and employers benefit from improved business performance. As an employer myself I do more training for my staff than any other employer in the UK and am happy to pay for the cost of training because of the business benefits. The reason that Data Connection has been successful for 25 years is because we are good at what do – because of the investment we make in our people and in our training.
Why is it crucial to equip businesses with skills at all levels?
Businesses, no matter what their size or sector, require skills at all levels. I run a technology company and rely heavily on talented graduates, but I also have receptionists, canteen staff, a very efficient set of office services staff, as well as personnel, recruitment and accounts departments. I therefore need skills across the board, at different levels, and I believe it is vital to train everyone in the organisation.
Why is Train to Gain such an important service?
From my point of view Train to Gain is important because it kickstarts employers who aren’t currently training as well as they should into action. All employers should train – it’s good for their business and good for their people – and Train to Gain encourages them to invest in skills at all levels.
What impact does Leadership and Management training have on a business?
I have been involved with Train to Gain in some measure since its inception and the Leadership and Management training opportunities are something I’m really pleased about. A lot of businesses don’t understand how important it is to train everyone in the organisation in management skills. Here at Data Connection we train all our staff at all levels because even if people don’t manage other employees they have to be able to manage themselves. Employers also need to help their staff develop their skills and become leaders and managers as they progress higher up the organisation. Also, for very small organisations, training in Leadership and Management for the people who run the company can add significantly to the business performance.
Read more Train to Gain News Issue 7 articles
- Editorial by Paul Holme
- Three Way View with a South West training provider, employer and employee discussing the benefits of investing in skills
- Q&A The manager of a small seaside hotel asks Train to Gain skills broker Catherine Owens for advice
