AN automotive supply chain initiative that has made a major difference to suppliers in Worcestershire has successfully secured the prestigious Investor in Excellence accolade at the first attempt.

Accelerate, which has provided financial and strategic support to more than 125 local companies, walked off with the plaudits after demonstrating its ability to improve its people, processes and performance.

Rachel Eade, Accelerate's programme manager, who received the award from Lord Coe at the Midlands Excellence Awards, was delighted with the outcome.

"Our mission is to make the automotive industry more efficient and embrace best practice, so it is only right that we look to achieve the same levels of world class performance," she said.

"The model has helped us to really look at and try to improve all aspects of the organisation."