YORK insurance broker DE Ford was named the first winner of the Best People Development award.

A new category for 2015, the award sought to recognise businesses that invest in the professional development of their staff.

DE Ford, of Poppleton Grange, was formed nearly 40 years ago as a family firm and bosses say part of the key to the firm’s success is the creation of their ‘Learning and Development committee’ where representatives of each department hold discussions chaired by a member of senior management.

Earlier this year, the brokers took part in the national ‘Learning at Work Week’ scheme where workers attend interactive sessions to communicate their respective roles within the business.

The company also recruits from a broad base, having hired two graduates as trainee risk managers and taking on two apprentices as part of a 12-month programme.

The judges described DE Ford’s staff retention rate as a testament to the development opportunities created within the business for employees to fulfil their career aspirations.

With employee numbers exceeding 60, the judges said they were impressed with how the company has recognised the need to embed a structured learning and development system, and the subsequent creation of a Learning and Development committee.

They said: "This year has seen the company’s first ever involvement in Learning at Work Week, and professional qualifications are now offered across the business, we are delighted to offer the first ever Best People Development Award to DE Ford."