A HARTLEBURY communications company has been recognised for staff development.

Drpgroup has been awarded gold status by Investors in People. The scheme rewards and recognises businesses that show continued focus on the development of their team through better business practices and training programmes.

The company has been part of the scheme for over 10 years, achieving bronze, silver and now gold status, showing continuous improvement within the business.

The Investors in People scheme is is designed to help businesses grow, develop and compete, ensuring people are at the forefront.

It is recognised throughout a variety of sectors and industries and assessed on a three-year accreditation process. Drpgroup came out above average, meeting over the 165 evidence requirements for the gold award.

Dale Parmenter, managing director, said: “As with any business at the moment, the climate has been quite unsettling over the last few years. The worst thing an organisation can do in difficult times is neglect their people.

“At the Drpgroup, our people are our business and it’s so important to both me and our board of directors that they have an exceptional working environment to deliver in.

“We’ve invested £3.6 million in new facilities, new equipment and, most importantly, training and development for our people. We’re thrilled the Investors in People assessors recognised this with the awarding of gold status.”

Mr Parmenter added: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team and I hope we can continue to keep this passion as we expand the team and the business.”

The assessment was carried out over several days by specialists from Investors in People, Julie Cowmeadow and Betty Bullock.

In the report they said: “We were impressed that every aspect of your business is driven by your values, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. We feel that the culture at Drpgroup is a true representation of Investors in People at its most powerful.”