Norbis, the enterprise agency that helps to set up and develop small businesses in north Oxfordshire, has gained the Investors in People training and development award, writes Sarah Parker.

Executive director Linda Tranter said: "We are committed to improving our service and felt that IIP was a key element in achieving this aim.

"We completed the IIP process in less than a year and were particularly pleased that the assessor recognised that we are rich in management experience and that our continuous training policy is effective."

Counsellors are available for free one-to-one interviews in Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton and NORBIS also runs a professional on-call service through a panel of accountants, solicitors and bankers for companies needing specialist advice.

Free enterprise seminars run by NORBIS in Banbury and Bicester include business planning, market research, marketing and selling, book-keeping, budget and cash flow forecasting, taxation and legal matters.

NORBIS can be contacted at 8 White Lion Walk, Banbury, on 01295 255275.