Case Studies

Connexions Somerset Limited first achieved Investors in People in 1994 when they were known as the Careers Service. Following Government policy changes, including changes arising from the Children’s Act, funding was given directly to local authorities along with the responsibility for Information, Advice and Guidance. A commissioning process is currently underway and Connexions Somerset Limited will have to tender for the contract in 2011.

DST Output Ltd are experts in the creation and production of essential communications such as bills and credit card statements - in paper or electronic formats - enabling businesses to reduce costs, increase response rates and maximize customer retention and loyalty.

Ginsters, based in Callington, Cornwall, was founded in 1968 and initially produced Cornish pasties. The company was acquired by Samworth Brothers in 1978. Since then the company has widened its product range to other baked goods and also sells sandwiches and other items produced by other group companies. Customers include the major retail groups, garage forecourts and convenience stores.

Nationwide is the largest building society in the world with approximately 15 million customers as well as assets approaching £200 billion. The organisation remains one of just a few mutual societies operating on the high street and is the end result of over 100 mergers since the original society was launched in 1848.

Sedgemoor District Council provides a wide range of services to the 106,000 people living in its borders, which take in seaside resorts, sea and river ports, hills, wetlands, the Somerset Levels and Cheddar Gorge. Its 418 staff work out of two main sites taking in two tourist information centres, and, being one of the few councils which is a Port Authority, a harbour master’s office.

The Headland Hotel is a luxury hotel in Newquay, and is a blend of Victorian grandeur and casual luxury. A classic icon of the stunning coastline on which it stands, this four-star hotel is a family-run establishment with charming staff whose aim is to engage with guests and make them feel welcome.

The Somerset Centre for Integrated Learning (SCIL) is part of Somerset County Council’s Children and Young People’s Directorate (CYPD). SCIL was formed in April 2008 and so is still a relatively new grouping. It provides training for nearly all areas of the children’s workforce.

Established over 40 years ago, Turners Optometrists has been with the current ownership for the past 20 years. They provide the highest standard of eyecare and the widest range of frames, lenses, sunglasses and sports eyewear available. Their ranges of clinical services and products are now wider than they have ever been. Turners are one of only a few optometrists who own their own Ocular Coherence Tomograhy (OCT) scanner – a highly advanced piece of equipment for screening a wide range of eye problems.

Victoria Road Primary is a LA funded school catering for children aged 4-11, serving the local community in St Budeaux, a suburb of Plymouth. The school role is approximately 250 children. Sure Start and Early Birds Nursery are also on the same site, providing advice and childcare for children between the ages of 0 and 4 years.

PAUL UK is a well established French bakery and patisserie, founded in 1889. Launching in the UK in 2001, they have since expanded to over 20 shops, with plans for growth of more new shops each year. 120 years on they are still a family owned company, which proudly retains its links to their history and French heritage.