The award was given to the companies that had demonstrated how training could make a significant impact on productivity and business success.
Ginsters – part of the Samworth Brothers Group – won the award for its ‘New Way of Working’ programme, which was designed to reduce staff turnover levels.
Employee turnover has been halved since the initiative was introduced, with more than half of staff working for more than six years, according to Ginsters.
Ginsters van operations director Garry Johnston explained that maintaining the training scheme had been one of the most important strategic decisions for Ginsters in recent years.
‘Focus on training’
“As we have undergone a wider restructuring, this focus on training has allowed our staff to adapt and succeed, while also ensuring they are motivated and positive,” said Johnston.
“In our sector, you could easily think training was just a ‘nice to have’ but for us it has been of the utmost importance over what could have been a challenging period.”
The awards received 110 applications, each assessed by The Princess Royal and 10 leading figures in business training and learning and development. They were presented by the City & Guilds Group (CGG).
CGG chief executive Chris Jones added: “I hope these Awards have shone a light on how important it is for businesses to invest in training to boost their productivity, address skills gaps and develop their leaders.
‘Inspire other organisations’
“This has never mattered more than in today’s uncertain economy. I hope this year’s winners inspire other organisations to share their experiences, and put forward their training and development success stories.”
Coffee chain Starbucks and retailer Co-op both won awards for their training programmes.
Meanwhile, Ginsters picked up two awards at the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards earlier this month (November 2).
The food-to-go firm scooped two Oscars for bakery manufacturing company of the year and supply chain initiative of the year.