IPS International, a training company based at Medway City Estate, has won an accolade for the way it treats staff and develops them. IPS, which also has a second training centre in Folkestone, was recently presented with the Investors in People award.

The company specialises in engineering, management, industrial production and processes, care, commerce, health and safety and information technology. It is also a "Learndirect" centre for training on the Internet. IPS has many leading Kent and Medway companies on its books, and trains hundreds of young people in modern apprenticeships.

Kent and Medway have one of the best records in the country for firms achieving IIP status, but still only 700 companies have gone for the accolade. It requires high performance in commitment to supporting and developing staff, encouraging them to improve their performance and that of others, and ensuring equality of opportunity, all issues that should lead to improved business performance.

IPS business development manager Andy Springett led the team that prepared the company for the IIP bid. He said: "I joined IPS only one year ago and was immediately attracted to the high commitment the company has to its staff.

“People are clearly recognised as the single major asset of the business. This has been recognised by the Investors in People award." Mr Spingett and director Michael Henderson received the award at Leeds Castle.