A scheme that provides business support and training to Tourism businesses across the region, announced its plans for the future this week.

The Tourism Better Business Scheme helps small and medium-sized businesses in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

The Partners in Success good employers scheme, developed by the Southern Tourist Board, recognises organisations who support and develop their staff through good employment practices and effective training programmes. Its five-point code of practice includes terms and conditions of employment, health and safety, training, equal opportunities and effective communication.

Project director Debbie Rouget said: "The Partners in Success Scheme has been very successful. Staff development has a vital role to play in a service sector such as tourism and hospitality.

"The programme is helping to raise standards of customer service, increase competitiveness and overcome some of the recruitment and retention difficulties that such a fast growing industry suffers from."