FORMER police chief John Stalker praised Winsford firms for their leadership and teamwork qualities when he appeared as guest speaker at a special meeting held by North and Mid Cheshire Investors in People Club.

The event, which took place at the Cheshire Fire Brigade headquarters in Winsford, was attended by more than 60 organisations from Cheshire which are all working to achieve or already have Investors in People status.

Plan-It Training and Consultancy Limited and LINPAC Mouldings, both of Winsford, were given awards during the evening.

Computer training company Plan-It received its award for commitment to becoming an Investor in People and plastic manufacturer LINPAC was recognised for the first time as an Investor in People.

Mr Stalker drew on his experience as deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police to enlighten his audience about the importance of training, development and customer care in the workplace - qualities which Investors in People must have.

He said: "In 1978 I was appointed head of Warwickshire CID - at 38 the youngest detective chief superintendent in the country - later becoming deputy chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police, the biggest provincial police force with 10,000 staff and a population of almost three million.

"Whilst in the force I travelled the world studying terrorism and crime in Europe and South America. And on my return I worked for two years in Northern Ireland before leaving the police.

"During my time in the force I found the more difficult the work, the more united a work team became. I believe that teamwork is a microcosm of life. In a lifetime of responsibility, I have never met a problem that could not be solved by vast experience or help from others."

Mr Stalker now writes frequently for national newspapers and often appears on TV and radio shows. His book, 'Stalker', topped the best-seller list for many weeks with worldwide sales of more than 400,000.

Cheshire Fire Brigade spokesman Evan Morris said: "We held the event because Cheshire Fire Brigade is an Investor in People and we are the first fire brigade in the UK to receive the award."

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