Picking up an award for nurturing in-house talent

The ongoing commitment to maximising every employee's potential has been officially recognised by a prestigious national business magazine, presenting us with one of its coveted awards - The Manufacturer's People and Skills Award 2010.

Our values-driven, employee-owned company believes that, while the pursuit of profit is vital, what gives us the edge is our determination to care and provide a stimulating platform for staff to perform and grow. Learning and development are embedded in the business with each staff member receiving at least five days' development and team building in 2009 - the same year the Gripple Academy was established to facilitate the provision of learning materials.

Gripple is a single status company providing an attractive benefits package of pensions and health insurance, with the same sickness payment and holidays applying from chairman to the newest apprentice. Staff are involved in every aspect of the business, contributing an absence rate of three per cent and a staff churn of six per cent. We're also committed to its community, engaging with schools in a variety of activities from school visits, placements and projects. Furthermore, our Charities Committee has contributed more than £125k to local causes.

The judges involved in The Manufacturer's 2010 Awards commented: "As Gripple scored full marks on the criteria, it was difficult to recommend any improvements! Key strengths included excellent relations across the company, thousands of ideas, personal development plans, ownership and tremendous engagement with the community, especially schools. There was strong evidence of a wide range of development skills, supporting diverse careers; engagement; support; open communication and values-driven HR. We must congratulate the company on its people and skills performance."