<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1" ?><rss version="2.0">
  <channel>
    <title>Investors in Excellence</title>
    <description>Investors in Excellence</description>
    <link>http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk</link>
    
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      <title><![CDATA[Home]]></title>
      <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sharing what works - tips, tools & techniques that will improve your organisation ]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[discover tips, tools, techniques, case studies and a king&acirc;s ransom worth of material that we&acirc;ve developed and received from donors, all of it with one goal in mind: helping organisations improve.&amp;#160; ]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/sharing-what-works-discover-tips-tools-techniques-that-will-help-your-organisation-improve]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Be a winner with our Specialist Category Awards 2010/11]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/be-a-winner-at-one-of-europes-most-prestigious-awards-events]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2009/10]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[2009/10 Awards presented by James Cracknell2009/10 WinnerThe Hanley Economic Building Society2009/10 Highly CommendedAdvantage West MidlandsG4S Integrated Services (Met Office)Kineton High SchoolSevernside Housing2009/10 FinalistsAdvantage West MidlandsCarillionEnterpriseESOS - IT...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-200910]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[2010 EFQM Excellence Model unveiled]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The 2010 EFQM Excellence Model was unveiled at the EFQM Brussels forum yesterday.As we expected there are some important changes to the model, and lots of complimentary tweaks to the wording, to bring the model up to date with]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/2010-efqm-excellence-model-unveiled]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Assessors Gallery]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[We are immensely proud of the contribution made by our assessors to the legacy of Excellence in our region.Our awards programme would not be possible without our army of volunteer assessors who have also been on their own journey...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/assessors-gallery]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Useful Quotes]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;Excellence is an art won by training and habituation&acirc;&brvbar;..We are what we repeatedly do.&amp;#160; Excellence then is not and act, but a habit&acirc; Aristotle 384-322BC&acirc;It&acirc;s not the strongest or the fittest that survive but the most adaptable&acirc;.&amp;nbsp;Charles Darwin&acirc;A fool...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/useful-quotes]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Communities of Practice]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;There are no new problems just new ways of tackling issues common across organisations.&acirc; It is not best practice we seek, it is next practice that we need. What can we do next to tackle the problems and opportunities]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/communities-of-practice]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Testimonials]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;Our vision at Advantage West Midlands is &acirc;to be recognised as excellent in all we do&acirc;, and we are using the Model as the tool to help us achieve this. It helps us to identify opportunities and then prioritise and...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/testimonials]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Our Trustees]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The charity has has a governing board of voluntary trustees that brings a wealth of management experience and expertise.Their experience covers both the private and public sectors and their complementary knowledge and skills reflect our needs and aspirations. The]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/our-board]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 1997-1999]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&amp;#160;To view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page1999 Awards WinnersCity technology College KinghurstCottam Power StationNatwest Mortgage ServicesVeeder-Root Environmental Systems1998 Award WinnerAeroquip Lakeside1997 Award WinnerPremier Exhausts]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-19971999-2009-10-09 13:34:00]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2000]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&amp;#160;2000 Awards presented by Duncan GoodhewTo view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2000 Awards WinnersSiemens Communications LtdStaffordshire Training and Enterprise CouncilThe Security Industry Training Organisation Ltd2000 Prize]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-2000]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2001]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&amp;#160;2001 Awards presented by Matthew Pinsent CBETo view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2001 Awards WinnersRevel SurgeryWarwickshire County Council Social ServicesWest Bromwich Building Society2001 Prize WinnersBenefits Agency]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-2001]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2002]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[2002 Awards presented by Sir Tom Farmer CBE To view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2002 Awards WinnersCastle Vale Housing Action TrustProtocolRicoh UK Products LimitedSolihull CollegeTPG...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-2002]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2003]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&amp;#160;2003 Awards presented by Sir Jackie StewartTo view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2003 Awards WinnersBMW Plant Hams HallEaton Ltd2003 Prize WinnersCity Analytical servicesPrime FocusThe Moat...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-2003]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2004]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[2004 Awards presented by Sir Steve Redgrave CBETo view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2004 Awards WinnersSevern Trent Water&amp;#160;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Severn Trent - CAS2004 Prize WinnersLloyds TSB, Travel Services]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-2004]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2005]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[2005 Awards presented by Lord Sebastian CoeTo view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2005 Award WinnersHeraeus Electro-Nite (UK)2005 Prize WinnersAdult Learning InspectorateSevern Vale Housing Society Ltd&amp;#160;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; TNT...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-2005]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2006]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&amp;#160;2008/09 Awards presented by Pete Waterman OBETo view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2006 Awards Winner(The) Community Housing GroupE-on Power Technology2006 Prize Winner3663 First for FoodEpson Telford&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-2006]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2007-2008]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&amp;#160;2008/09 Awards presented by Martin Johnson CBETo view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2007-2008 Awards Winners3663 First for FoodWarwick District CouncilMasterlease2007-2008 Highly CommendedW H Smith (Tools) Limited...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-20072008]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards 2008-2009]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[2008/09 Awards presented by James CaanTo view more award images, click here to visit our FlickR page2008/09 WinnersDyke Yaxley LtdProtocol Consultancy ServicesStaffs Police - TVDSiemens Energy Services2008/09 CommendedTrent &amp;amp; Dove...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards-19971999]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Demo]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[LOCAL:/files/movingdemov3_demo.swf]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/demo]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Accessibility]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The Midlands Excellence website is designed and built to be accessible and compatible with most devices capable of accessing web content. Javascript and Flash are not essential, but having them enabled will offer a richer browsing experience. Check...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/accessibility]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Privacy Policy]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[This privacy policy sets out how Midlands Excellence uses and protects any information that you give Midlands Excellence when you use this website.Midlands Excellence is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/privacy-policy]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Terms of Use]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Investors in Excellence's...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/terms-of-use]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Terms and Conditions]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence - Terms of Business]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/terms-and-conditions]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Public Interest Policy]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence was established in June 1996 with a vision to improve the competitiveness and performance of organisations in the midlands region primarily by promoting widespread use of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model &Acirc;&copy; which is...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/public-interest-policy]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Increase your organisation's R.O.I with Midlands Excellence]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[We&acirc;re here to make the Midlands economy more competitive and efficient. A 1600% return on investment demonstrates our sustained effectiveness over the 7 years we have worked with the Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands. They gave us &Acirc;&pound;1m of...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/main-feature-3]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Tips, tools and techniques to improve your business]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Running an organisation doesn&acirc;t come with a handbook, but at Midlands Excellence we&acirc;re doing our very best to create one. Here in our &acirc;Wisdom Vault&acirc; you&acirc;ll discover tips, tools, techniques, case studies and a king&acirc;s ransom worth of material that...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/main-feature-2]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Unmissable events designed to inspire and promote best practice]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[This is the place to be if you want to discover the places to be. We know you&acirc;re busy. We know you get asked to loads of different events every month. And we know that every invitation (even to freebies)...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/main-feature-1]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[The Team]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/the-team]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[The Board]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/the-board]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Contact us]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[If you have an enquiry about Midlands Excellence or would like to draw upon our knowledge and expertise, you can do that using this form.Alternatively, if you have content you would like to add to the 'Sharing what works' section...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/contact-us]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Assessor training]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Every year we assemble teams of volunteers to assess all the different organisations that apply for the Midlands Excellence Awards. With so much riding on the assessment, our applicants need to know that the teams are fair, expert and]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/assessor-training]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Our vision is to make excellence accessible to all]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&amp;#160;We make this happen through organising relevant and topical events including free workshops designed to broaden your mind, inspire change and support improvement activity. In 2008 we held more than 100 events and engaged with 600 organisations.]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/our-vision-is-to-make-excellence-accessible-to-all]]></link>
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      <title><![CDATA[About us]]></title>
      <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Developing our Leaders of Tomorrow]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Our Leaders of Tomorrow graduate placement programme is designed to support private, public and voluntary sector organisations undertake focussed improvement activity.If you are looking to accelerate your improvement activity and feel you could benefit from a two-week placement carried]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/leaders-of-tommorrow]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Our People]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Our people share a passion for excellence and helping others to improve, it is our reason for being.We also have real-world experience of delivering sustainable results for a wide range of organisations across a variety of sectors (39 at]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/our-people]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Volunteer Assessors]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-assessors]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sponsorship opportunities]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Want to be part of our success story? Looking for a way to put your brand at the forefront of decision makers&acirc; minds in &acirc;Midlands PLC&acirc;? Then now is the time to think about sponsoring Midlands Excellence and generating]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/sponsorship-opportunities]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[People we work with]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[We&acirc;ve engaged with more than 600 organisations from 39 different sectors over the last 12 months. There isn&acirc;t space here to list them (!), but as you&acirc;d expect from a charity that aims to make &quot;excellence accessible to all&quot;]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/people-we-work-with]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[What we do]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Our vision is &acirc;to make excellence accessible to all&acirc;We make this happen through organising relevant and topical events including free workshops designed to broaden your mind, inspire change and support improvement activity. In 2008 we held more than]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[About us]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[We&acirc;re here to make the Midlands economy more competitive and efficient. A 1600% return on investment demonstrates our sustained effectiveness over the seven years we have worked with the Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands. They gave us &Acirc;&pound;1m]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/introduction]]></link>
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      <title><![CDATA[News]]></title>
      <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence delivers a 1600% R.O.I]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence, the not-for-profit performance boosting specialists, have delivered &Acirc;&pound;16.3m of added value to the region at a cost to the taxpayer of just &Acirc;&pound;1.046m. That&acirc;s the conclusion of a report commissioned by Advantage West Midlands and produced for the...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/midlands-excellence-delivers-a-1600-roi]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[A packed event that left attendees inspired and ready to achieve the impossible]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[A huge thanks to all those that turned out to our most recently inspiring Midlands Excellence networking event. Our guest speaker, Dave Heeley (aka Blind Dave) is a truly inspirational man who has overcome one of the most incredible]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/a-packed-event-that-left-attendees-inspired-and-ready-to-achieve-the-impossible]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Assessor Training - it's like doing an MBA every year!]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Every year we assemble teams of volunteers to assess all the different organisations that apply for the Midlands Excellence Awards. With so much riding on the assessment, our applicants need to know that the teams are fair, expert]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/assessor-training-its-like-doing-an-mba-every-year]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ambassadors of Excellence]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[This award gives us the tremendous opportunity to recognise the really exceptional performances of individuals and organisations across the Midlands region.This year we have recognised two exceptional Midlands-based Centres of Excellence both holding national and international significance. We are]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/ambassadors-of-excellence]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Specialist Category Awards Winners 2009/10]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[In their second successful year, these awards recognise excellence performance in the areas of Innovation, Sustainability, Lean Efficiency and Learning &amp;amp; Development.&amp;#160;The Specialist Category Awards are open to any organisation across the Midlands region who believes that they have]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/specialist-category-awards-winners-201011]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[ Congratulations to The Hanley Economic Building Society! ]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence is extremely pleased to announce that the only award winner this year is the Hanley Economic Building Society! The Building Society is a committed user of the Excellence Model.&amp;#160; The organisation has established]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/-congratulations-to-the-hanley-economic-building-society-]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[A night of celebration for the region's excellent organisations]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[More than one thousand one hundred business leaders gathered last night (21.01.2010) at the ICC to recognise the winners of the thirteenth Midlands Excellence Awards.As well as being the region&acirc;s highest profile business awards, the event is also the]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/a-night-of-celebration-for-the-regions-excellent-organisations]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence welcomes our latest sponsors Lloyds Development Capital ]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Investment is always key to future success and Midlands Excellence is honoured to be working with a market leading organisation that understands this philosophy more than most, Lloyds Development Capital. This builds on our long relationship with Lloyds TSB]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/midlands-excellence-welcomes-our-latest-sponsors-lloyds-development-capital-]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Congratulations to our Main Awards Finalists 2009/10!]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence is very pleased to annouce that the finalists for this year's main Awards Programme have now been confirmed.Big congratulations to all those entrants that have been shortlisted as a finalist. We wish you]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/congratulations-to-our-main-awards-finalists-200910]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Specialist Category Awards Finalists 2009/10 have been announced!]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence is very pleased to annouce the organisations shortlisted for the Specialist Category Awards 2009/10.  Big congratulations to all those entrants that have been shortlisted as a finalist. We have had a large number of entries in]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/specialist-category-awards-finalists-200910]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Make that boat go faster and sail the 7C's]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[There was plenty of best practice, learning and knowledge sharing at this year&acirc;s Midlands Excellence conference, and real inspiration was to be found in the form of double rowing Olympian Steve Williams.&acirc;How do you make]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/make-that-boat-go-faster-and-sail-the-7cs]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Olympic rower Steve Williams to speak at Midlands Excellence Annual Conference]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[by Graeme Brown, Birmingham PostA Midlands-born Olympic gold medal-winner will address more than 300 businesspeople at a conference today about the links between sporting endeavour and business success.Steve Williams OBE, who twice won the ultimate sporting...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/olympic-rower-steve-williams-to-speak-at-midlands-excellence-annual-conference]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Conference workshop slides now available online]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[If you need a quick reminder or missed out on some of the workshops held at the Midlands Excellence Annual Conference, please see below for some of the presenters slides.Efficiency in Action - Presented by Dan Hopkinson, Head]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/conference-workshop-slides-now-available]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Poundland director Tim McDonnell to speak at Midlands Excellence conference]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[By Anna Blackaby, Birmingham Post In three days time it is the 12th Midlands Excellence Annual Conference. In the second in a series of stories Anna Blackaby talks to one of the event&acirc;s key speakers Tim McDonnell, Poundland retail...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/about-us/news/poundland-director-tim-mcdonnell-to-speak-at-midlands-excellence-conference]]></link>
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      <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards]]></title>
      <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
      <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Awards programme]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The Midlands Excellence Awards...a celebration of the inspirational successes achieved by truly excellent organisations.Our annual awards programme has inspired hundreds of organisations, of all sizes and sectors to put themselves in the crucible of competition and provide the unique]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards/introduction]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Hall of Fame]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[We are immensely proud of all organisations that have contributed to the legacy of Excellence in our region. It is a great privilege to recognise so many great organisations through our awards programme which began in 1997. Each of]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards/hall-of-fame]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[...a celebration of the inspirational successes achieved by truly excellent organisations.Our annual awards programme has inspired hundreds of organisations, of all sizes and sectors to put themselves in the crucible of competition and provide the unique opportunity to stand]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards/midlands-excellence-awards]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Specialist Category Awards]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The 2010/11 Specialist Category Awards are now open for entry! Got a good story to tell? Proud of something, you, your team or your company have achieved? Interested in celebrating your achievement in front of 1,000+ business leaders?]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards/specialist-category-awards]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Awards Ceremony]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Quite simply, this is the Midlands&acirc; biggest and best awards event of the year. A glittering black-tie dinner at Birmingham&acirc;s ICC that&acirc;s also Europe&acirc;s largest celebration of Excellence. This prestigious awards evening is now a firm fixture in the]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/midlands-excellence-awards/awards-ceremony]]></link>
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      <title><![CDATA[Networks and Events diary]]></title>
      <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
      <description><![CDATA[This is the place to be if you want to discover the places to be. We know you&acirc;re busy. We know you get asked to loads of different events every month. And we know that every invitation (even to]]></description>
      <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Ricoh Plant Tour - Best Practice in Action!]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Please note that this tour is limited to TWO places per organisation.Go to GEMBA &acirc; Continuous Improvement in Action!This is a fantastic opportunity to see for yourself Ricoh UK Products&acirc; award winning approach to implementing Continuous Improvement. The CI...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/ricoh-plant-tour-best-practice-inaction]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Communication with Oomph! Get into the minds of your customer]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Please note that this event is supported by Business Link who will be handling all bookings. Bet your finger is hovering over the delete button at this very moment&acirc;&brvbar;and it&acirc;s not so different for your customers.What does it take...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/communication-with-oomph-get-into-the-minds-of-your-customer]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Improve your performance - tools & techniques to ensure success]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;I&acirc;m playing all the right notes &acirc; but not necessarily in the right order&acirc; Eric Morecambe, 1926 - 1984Continuous Improvement tools and techniques have been around in various forms for decades but how can they work together to help you...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/improve-your-performance-tools-techniques-to-ensure-success]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Accelerate your Performance - Introducing Investors in Excellence]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Looking to embed a culture of continuous improvement and excellence into your organisation? Do you have the ambition and drive to improve but are simply not sure what to focus on first?This interactive one-day session will introduce Investors in Excellence,...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/accelerate-your-performance-introducing-investors-in-excellence]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Balanced Scorecard Excellence -  understand your key results & achieve your goals]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Do you just report performance or do you use your performance information to predict the future?Whether you manage business strategy for an organisation or just want to get a better handle on your team&acirc;s performance we can help you develop...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/balanced-scorecard-excellence-understand-your-key-results-achieve-your-goals]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[How to be more successful - an introduction to NLP]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[How Neuro Linguistic Programming will help you become an even better Business LeaderTo be even more successful at managing, selling, presenting, coaching, motivating and negotiating requires excellent communication and in&iuml;&not;uencing skills. NLP will:&acirc;&cent;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160; expand the ways you communicate with &amp;amp;...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/how-to-be-more-successful-an-introduction-to-nlp]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Deliver More for Less - an introduction to Lean]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Lean is one of the leading philosophies to achieve breakthrough improvements on bottom line performance, customer satisfaction and employee engagement, with worldwide success stories.As a result, many organisations from all sectors are looking to capitalise on lean. Lean Thinking is...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/deliver-more-for-less-an-introduction-to-lean]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[The Business of Winning - inspirational & practical secrets of business success]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[THE BUSINESS OF WINNING: DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF&acirc;&cent;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160; Personal motivation&acirc;&cent;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160; Team working skills&acirc;&cent;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160; Developing winning teams&acirc;&cent;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160; Performing to high levelsIf you are interested in winning in business, you quite simply need...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/the-business-of-winning]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[NLP Business Practitioner - Leadership  Development Training]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Please note: You will need to be available on all of the following dates to undertake this practitioner programme:6th - 9th September 2010 (inclusive) 28th-30th September 2010 (inclusive) Gain an external qualification as an NLP Business Practitioner, to provide you...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/nlp-business-practitioner-leadership-development-training]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Awards Ceremony 2010/11]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Join Europe's largest celebration of Excellence. The Midlands Excellence Awards Ceremony is a firm favourite with organisations serious about achieving and celebrating success. This prestigious black-tie event recognises the excellent all-round performance of organisations across the Midlands and is a...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/midlands-excellence-awards-ceremony-201011]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Jaguar Plant Tour - a true example of manufacturing excellence]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[A true example of manufacturing excellence. Experience first hand the expertise that exists in all aspects of Jaguar manufacturingWhether you are in manufacturing or not, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn and explore new ideas from the industry.&acirc;&cent;&amp;#160;&amp;#160;&amp;#160; Take...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/jaguar-plant-tour]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Assessor Training]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[What is involved &amp;amp; dates for the diary2nd November 2010 - welcome workshop14th &amp;amp; 15th December 2010 - two day training Optional: Spring 2011 - Team training if you wish to complete a live assessmentAt Midlands Excellence...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/midlands-excellence-assessor-training-2010-04-16 14:02:00]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Midlands Excellence Assessor Training]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[What is involved &amp;amp; dates for the diary2nd November 2010 - welcome workshop14th &amp;amp; 15th December 2010 - two day training Optional: Spring 2011 - Team training if you wish to complete a live assessmentAt Midlands Excellence...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/midlands-excellence-assessor-training-2010-04-16 13:48:00]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Vastly improve your business performance in 2010 - close more sales!]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;Break the rules and close more business&acirc; - Are you or your team responsible for delivering more new business into the company? Are you keen for improvement particularly in the area of enhancing sales performance?To improve sales performance without you...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/vastly-improve-your-business-performance-in-2010]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Introducing NLP ]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[How Neuro Linguistic Programming will help you become an even better Business LeaderTo be even more successful at managing, selling, presenting, coaching, motivating and negotiating requires excellent communication and in&iuml;&not;uencing skills. NLP will:&acirc;&cent;&amp;#160;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; help you expand the ways you communicate...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/introducing-nlp-]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Project Management]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[If it&acirc;s the start of the new financial year for your organisation or new strategies are being put in place then this is the time to start thinking about how you implement your new projects to ensure you deliver the...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/project-management]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Meet your excellent neighbours - East Midlands Community of Practice]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Organisations working with the Investors in Excellence standard are actively encouraged to get involved in sharing best practice, as this can deliver a multitude of benefits.As you know many of your neighbours are also working with IiE. We are continually...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/meet-your-excellent-neighbours-east-midlands-community-of-practice]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Meet your excellent neighbours - Housing Community of Practice]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Organisations working with the Investors in Excellence standard are actively encouraged to get involved in sharing best practice, as this can deliver a multitude of benefits.As you know many of your neighbours are also working with IiE. We are continually...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/meet-your-excellent-neighbours-housing-community-of-practice]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Communication with oomph! Midlands Excellence Network event]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Bet your finger is hovering over the delete button at this very moment&acirc;&brvbar;and it&acirc;s not so different for your customers.What does it take for you to keep your finger from pressing delete? The likely answer is that the email must...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/communication-with-oomph-midlands-excellence-network-event]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Service Excellence - Have a naff day!]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;Businesses in the UK are slightly better than awful at customer service&acirc; Sad, but on the whole, true! Every one of us has at some point experienced pretty poor customer service...Client services expert Dr Jez Rose is leading a revolution...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/service-excellence-have-a-naff-day]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[11 steps to a Winning Bid - increase your win ratio]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[It is getting tougher and tougher to stand out in today&acirc;s fiercely competitive market place. What can you do to influence the decision making process and swing the odds in your favour?This Midlands Excellence Network (MEN) session provides you with...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/11-steps-to-a-winning-bid]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[EFQM Excellence Model updates session]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The EFQM Excellence Model is one of the most established management frameworks for driving world-class performance.This one-day workshop aims to explain the recent significant changes to the EFQM model.&amp;#160; If you are as passionate about the Excellence model as we...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/efqm-excellence-model-updates-session]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Leaders of Tomorrow - Graduate Placement Programme]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Our graduate placement programme is designed to support private, public and voluntary sector organisations undertake focussed improvement activity.If you are looking to accelerate your improvement activity and feel you could benefit from a two-week placement carried out by a high-calibre...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/leaders-of-tomorrow-graduate-placement-programme]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Housing Community of Practice - Meet your excellent neighbours]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Organisations working with the Investors in Excellence (IiE) standard are actively encouraged to get involved to share what works, as this can deliver a multitude of benefits. More housing organisations across the country are using Investors in Excellence particularly in...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/housing-community-of-practice-meet-your-excellent-neighbours]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Simple steps to make your business more effective]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[All organisations, even the best, need to improve. We all need to be more efficient and we all need to sustain results. The question is &acirc;How?&acirc;And that is exactly what this session is designed to show you. Join Head of...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/simple-steps-to-make-your-business-more-effective]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Improvement Tools]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Continuous Improvement tools and techniques have been around in various forms for decades but which ones work the best? The most successful businesses deploy a number of simple to use tools within their organisation that enable them to:&acirc;&cent;&amp;#160;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Engage staff...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/improvement-tools]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Meet your excellent neighbour - Housing Community of Practice]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Organisations working with the Investors in Excellence (IiE) standard are actively encouraged to get involved to share what works, as this can deliver a multitude of benefits. More housing organisations across the country are using Investors in Excellence particularly in...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/meet-your-excellent-neighbour-housing-community-of-practice]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Business Excellence in Housing]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;a fresh look at how you raise standards of services to customers&acirc; Excellent organisations know that customers are their primary reason for being and strive to innovate and create value for them by understanding and anticipating their needs and expectations...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/business-excellence-in-housing]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Preparing for assessment]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Take part in the region&acirc;s premier business awards and see your organisation in a new light. We&acirc;ll help you identify fresh ways to improve your all-round performance and achieve better results.For any organisation looking to enter the Midlands Excellence Awards...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/preapring-for-assessment]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Lean Service]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Lean is one of the leading philosophies to achieve breakthrough improvements in bottom line performance, customer satisfaction and employee engagement, with success stories the world over. As a result, many service sector organisations are looking to capitalise on lean, but...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/lean-excellence]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Tools & Techniques for Problem Solving]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;It isn&acirc;t that they can&acirc;t see the solution. It is that they can&acirc;t see the problem&acirc; GK ChestertonThis Midlands Excellence networking session is perfect for employees at all levels involved in solving problems and delivering continuous improvement. Our expert deliverer,...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/tools-techniques-for-problem-solving]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[NLP Business Practitioner]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;This course is brilliant. I can actually apply the content immediately and see the returns. I have seen over 40% increases in sales conversion &acirc; and I&acirc;ve only completed one module!&acirc; - Axa Insurance Nov 2009Gain an external qualification as...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/nlp-business-practitioner]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Personal Excellence]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;What keeps me going is goals&acirc; - Muhammad AliThis workshop focuses on transforming your broad visions into goals, concrete objectives and practical steps by:Assessing your appetite for empowerment:- a buzz word we all use, but to really be empowered,...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/goal-setting]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Basic Contract Law - do you know obligations]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Do you know what a contract actually is? Do you know what makes a contract binding and understand some of the typical terminology? Nearly all business arrangements constitute contracts-but do you know the implications? During this highly informative session legal...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/basic-contract-law-do-you-know-obligations]]></link>
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        <title><![CDATA[Road to Sustainability]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;Each and every one of us can make changes in the way we live our lives and become part of the solution [to climate change]&acirc;Al Gore, &acirc;An Inconvenient Truth&acirc;We would like to offer you a superb opportunity to attend...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/road-to-sustainability]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Introducing Lean: Theory & practical simulation]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Is the lean methodology just limited to the manufacturers of the world? The answer is a resounding NO! Lean revolutions are taking place industry wide, across many different sectors.Lean Thinking is now being held up as &acirc;The&acirc; way to improve,...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/introducing-lean-theory-practical-simulation]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Revised EFQM Excellence Model Briefing]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The EFQM Excellence Model is one of the most established management frameworks for driving world-class performance. And it's changing.This one-day workshop aims to explain the recent significant changes to the EFQM model.&amp;#160; If you are as passionate about the Excellence...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/revised-efqm-excellence-model-briefing]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Don't wait for inspiration, go and find it...how to over come your next challenge]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;Never giving up and pushing forward will unlock all the potential we are capable of.&acirc;- Christy BorgeldOne of only four people in the world, Dave Heeley (39 and 156 months old!) born and bred in the West Bromwich, set...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/dont-wait-for-inspiration-go-and-find-it]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Efficiency Tools β which one is right for me?]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;The only survivors at the end of two decades will be the companies with constancy of purpose for quality, productivity and service&acirc;. - Deming&amp;#160;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Even the best organisations need to improve. We all need to be more efficient and we...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/efficiency-tools-which-one-is-right-for-me]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Customer Relationship Management]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Increase customers &amp;amp; revenue and drive out costsCustomer Relationship Manager (CRM) systems have provided organisations around the globe with the ability to grow their sales, cut costs and improve employee performance.Investors in Excellence, in association with BPI OnDemand and Oracle,...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/customer-relationship-management]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Housing Community of Practice]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Organisations working with the Investors in Excellence standard (IiE) are actively encouraged to get involved in sharing best practice, as this can deliver a multitude of benefits.Why not join your local Community of Practice (CoP), which aims to bring together...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/housing-community-of-practice]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[NLP Business Practitioner Training Programme]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Gain an external qualification as an NLP Business Practitioner accredited by the Society of Neuro Linguistic Programming. NLP is &acirc;soft&acirc; skills training which develops outstanding communication, enhanced performance and improves business relationships. NLP training can significantly contribute to the success...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/nlp-business-practitioner-training-programme-2009-10-12 15:27:00]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[NLP Business Practitioner ]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Gain an external qualification as an NLP Business Practitioner accredited by the Society of Neuro Linguistic Programming. NLP is &acirc;soft&acirc; skills training which develops outstanding communication, enhanced performance and improves business relationships. NLP training can significantly contribute to the success...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/nlp-business-practitioner-]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[NLP Business Practitioner Training Programme]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Gain an external qualification as an NLP Business Practitioner accredited by the Society of Neuro Linguistic Programming. NLP is &acirc;soft&acirc; skills training which develops outstanding communication, enhanced performance and improves business relationships. NLP training can significantly contribute to the success...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/nlp-business-practitioner-training-programme]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Winning government contracts:  How to write tender documents that put you out in front of the field ]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[How to write bids that truly differentiate you is not widely understood. The common view is; you need to describe your product or service, your systems and processes, your business and then add photos and to give &acirc;impact.&acirc; But your...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/winning-government-contracts-how-to-write-tender-documents-that-put-you-out-in-front-of-the-field-]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Revised EFQM Excellence Model Briefing ]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[This workshop is now full. The next workshop is on the 27th Jan 2010The EFQM Excellence Model is one of the most established management frameworks for driving world-class performance. And it's changing.This one-day workshop aims to explain the recent...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/revised-efqm-excellence-model-breifing--2009-10-12 14:55:00]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Revised EFQM Excellence Model Briefing ]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The EFQM Excellence Model is one of the most established management frameworks for driving world-class performance. And it's changing.This one-day workshop aims to explain the recent significant changes to the EFQM model.&amp;#160; If you are as passionate about the Excellence...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/revised-efqm-excellence-model-breifing-]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Process Excellence]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&acirc;If you can&acirc;t describe what you are doing as a process, you don&acirc;t know&amp;#160; what you&acirc;re doing&acirc; &acirc; W. Edwards DemingUnderstanding processes and how they work is the first step to delivering improvements in efficiency and productivity to your business....]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/processes-in-practice-an-introduction-to-process-mapping-and-improvement]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[The Midlands Excellence Annual Conference 2009]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[The Midlands Excellence Annual Conference is rapidly approaching. This is your last chance to book your seat with Olympian rower, Steve Williams OBE. We&acirc;ve brought together the finest mix of ingredients &acirc; expert speakers, award winning businesses and their leaders...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/the-midlands-excellence-annual-conference-2009]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Meet your 'excellent' neighbours - Ricoh UK Products Limited]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[&amp;#160;Organisations working with the Investors in Excellence standard are actively encouraged to get involved in sharing best practice, as this can deliver a multitude of benefits.As you know many of your neighbours are also working with IiE. We are continually...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/meet-your-excellent-neighbours-ricoh-uk-products-limited]]></link>
      </item>
          <item>
        <title><![CDATA[Meet your 'excellent' neighbours - Managing and Improving Processes]]></title>
        <pubDate><![CDATA[2010-07-30]]></pubDate>
        <description><![CDATA[Organisations working with the Investors in Excellence standard are actively encouraged to get involved in sharing best practice, as this can deliver a multitude of benefits.As you know many of your neighbouring businesses are also working with IiE. We are...]]></description>
        <link><![CDATA[http://www.midlandsexcellence.org.uk/networks-and-events-diary/meet-your-excellent-neighbours-managing-and-improving-processes]]></link>
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