More than 60 companies are working with ViP on productivity improvement, and the schemes completed so far have resulted in an average profit improvement in year one of 146,000.

The figures were revealed at ViP's latest board meeting and chairman Andrew Pindar said he was delighted at the progress of the forum, and by the take-up of its services by companies large and small. "However... we have to ensure that people are given the support not only to get on the road to greater productivity, but to stay on that road to achieve sustained profitability," he added.

ViP's conference later this month will include the rollout of a "route map to sustained productivity", showing how a systematic step-by-step approach can reap continuing benefits.

"We are here to assist companies make this huge leap forward into being able to strategically plan for sustained change," explained ViP chief executive Richard Gray. "Change is liberating if managed well, threatening if imposed harshly. The trick is to engage the workforce in sharing the vision."

Speakers sharing their experiences and insights into best practice at the conference include Bennie Fowler, chief operating officer for Jaguar and Land Rover; and Corus total quality manager Ray Wells.

The conference programme has been designed in a flexible format to allow firms to send multiple delegates at reasonable cost. Special seminars on purchasing best practice and an introduction to "lean" thinking take place on 22 June. The main conference is on 23 June. It takes place at the Stratford-upon-Avon Moat House hotel.

Visit: www.visioninprint.co.uk.