Ridgeons is celebrating after being awarded Gold standard for Investors in People (IIP).

The prestigious accolade was presented to the merchant following evidence of its dedication to exceptional people management, staff training schemes and outstanding employee retention. Investors in People Gold is the top prize for businesses that champion best practice and high performance through its people, and is recognised as a sign of excellence.

Angela Rushforth, managing director at Ridgeons, said: “Achieving Investors in People Gold is something we’ve been working towards for years now. People and relationships are hugely important to us and are what keep our business growing. Whether that’s a positive relationship between staff and customers or employee and line manager, we are successful because we provide platforms for staff to succeed and develop their career.

“Investors in People Gold is a brilliant achievement for everyone at Ridgeons and it shows our commitment to staff, which continues to help us attract the top talent to our business.”

Assessors at IIP praised Ridgeons for its staff engagement, corporate social responsibility efforts, culture, ethos and company-wide transparency, as well as its quantity and quality of training, including coaching, mentoring and talent management.

Ridgeons has held the Investors in People award since 1998 and in the last three years has jumped from Bronze to Gold standard by meeting 180 out of a possible 196 evidence criteria.