YOU can't get more of a commitment to Investors in People than was shown by David Alderson, managing director of York software company MS2M, and his sales director, Julie Swanston.

Just as they announced that they had achieved the coveted business standard for all the staff, they cemented the ultimate people investment - by getting married.

"The difference," said Julie, "Is that it took us five years to make our personal investment, whereas the IIP accreditation was achieved in just ten weeks!"

Now MS2M, otherwise known as Management Services 2000, will formally receive the IIP standard from the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund, at the Marriott Hotel in Tadcaster Road, York, on Thursday.

From its headquarters in Derwent Court, Howsham, MS2M provides software systems to financial services companies for point of sale, sales management, learning and development and knowledge testing.

The company is in the middle of a huge growth spurt, having taken on three new members of staff, bringing the total workforce to ten.

The staff's speedy accreditation is hardly surprising since the company has developed TrackRecord software which supports learning and development in organisations.

Julie said: "We haven't had time for a honeymoon since our wedding at York register office, but the IIP accreditation was one of the best pressies we could have got."