AN AWARD that is all about people was won by a York construction company which goes “the extra mile” to help its staff.

Simpson (York) Ltd took the Achievement Through People title, with the judges saying it went the extra mile to help staff “through many different, innovative schemes”.

They were also impressed by the way it celebrated success, resulting in a “people-focused culture”, with outstanding levels of staff retention. and examples of excellent progression through the company.

Neil Silcock, production director at Simpson, said if the company was going to achieve that came from its people achieving as well.

“It’s about giving them the opportunities to grow,” he said.

“I think we have got some of the best people in the industry.

“As far as York is concerned, a lot of people don’t know us, but hopefully this will put us on the map and we will move forward from there.”

Every employee at Simpson is allocated a dedicated internal mentor, key skills and competencies have been identified at every level within the business and performance against the skills requirement is reviewed through a personal development review process.

The judges said Kinnerton had a fantastic strategy around developing people with the business through many different activities, and praised the progress it had made in putting people at the heart of the business.

They said the commitment from the owners and senior managers at Riccall Care to make all staff felt valued was extremely impressive, as was the investment made, particularly in training.