AN event organised by a Hartlebury-based communications company has helped a train operator earn two awards.

Chiltern Railways won two top prizes at the C&IT Excellence Awards (Conference and Incentive Travel) for its customer service team training event, designed for its 30-strong customer service team.

The rail firm contracted the services of communications agency Drpgroup to help facilitate the event, held at the group premises last year. (2012) The awards evening, in Covent Garden, London, saw Chiltern Railways shortlisted in the categories for best use of a small budget and best teambuilding - both awarded to Chiltern Railways and Drpgroup.

The brief given to the communications agency was to create a customer service-focused event delivering business impact without a huge budget.

Delegates were taken to the group’s facilities, into a military-style bunker, where they faced their customer service demons.

Delegates were given a teambuilding challenge to put together a jubilee tea party for a group of pensioners.

Jennifer Payne, customer service director at Chiltern Railways, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised by these awards, which reinforce our passion and commitment to giving passengers the best service possible.

“The project was a great way for the team to explore different and innovative ways of delivering excellent customer service and we intend to apply these learnings going forward.”

Dale Parmenter, managing director of Drpgroup, said: “I actually found this project an enjoyable challenge.”