Yet, despite the British workforce's achievements, it is clear that continuous improvements will be needed for years to come as competition from Asian and East European rivals become fiercer by the day.

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Reflecting its continued focus on innovation and continuous improvements in customer service, NetJets plans to have all future fleet aircraft, including light cabin models, delivered from the factory with high speed Internet service.

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They provide better care to their patients, which allows them to reap financial rewards and invest in continuous business and clinical improvements.

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The incredible advances that have been made to medicine and health care in the developed world over the past 100 years have been based on continuous development, on marginal improvements, each one driving the next advance and each one building on the last, until we have reached the stage we are at now.

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"Improvements made in the elderly patient care facilities will ensure safe, sustainable and quality care on a continuous basis and will enhance the patient experience, " she added.

BBC: Singleton Hospital