A CONSTRUCTION firm which wants its employees “to feel challenged, stimulated and more importantly to enjoy their work” has its sights on the Achievement Through People category of The Press Business Awards.

Staff retention at SIMPSON (York) is such that 79 per cent of its workforce has been with it for more than five years.

It says to grow and prosper it must “realise the potential in others to contribute positively to the business” and is committed to training and developing its people.

On average it provides 4.5 days training per year per employee compared with an industry average of 1.5 days per year.

Every employee is allocated a dedicated internal mentor who is independent of line management and is able to effectively listen, coach and help remove obstacles to development.

Key skills and competencies have been identified at every level and performance is reviewed through a process which is monitored every three months.

“Our people are an integral part of our vision, and are a key part of our core values, to continue to build on the reputation for quality work whilst treating people correctly and fairly, and being the employer of choice,” the company’s entry says.