mhs homes chief executive Ashley Hook, right, with staff board member Mick Luther and Jeanette Vane a lookalike of the Queen

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A housing enterprise has won gold for the way it treats its staff.

mhs homes, which manages more than 8,000 homes in Medway, was dubbed a "shining example" after being awarded the rare Investors in People Gold standard.

The housing association is among an elite group of just 3% of UK organisations to achieve the standard.

mhs had to achieve an excellent rating across 179 areas to win the accolade, which follows silver in 2011, and bronze in 2006.

Chief executive Ashley Hook said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have achieved this gold rating from Investors in People. This is a testimony to our hard-working dedicated staff and their commitment to continuous improvement."

John Telfer, managing director of Inspiring Business Performance (IBP), the organisation that provides the Investors in People scheme in London and the south, said: "The current economic climate makes it even more important that an organisation adapts to survive. mhs homes is a shining example that proves organisations can achieve great things during challenging times."

He added that IiP recognition was becoming more important, enhancing an organisation's reputation to potential employees, investors and customers.

The gold certificate was presented to mhs homes' staff board member Mick Luther by Jeanette Vane, a lookalike of the Queen.