A WORCESTER building company that started operations more than 70 years ago has been awarded Investor in People status.

Spicers, in Checketts Lane, employs more than 60 staff and managing director George Hutton believes attaining Investment in People status has given them all a boost.

"It has greatly benefited the company in that the level of morale has increased," said Mr Hutton.

"People understand what's going on and there is more communication throughout the company at all levels."

He said that, from a client perspective, it showed that Spicers maintained staff training, kept up-to-date with modern methods and could, therefore, operate more efficiently as a company.

The award was presented to Mr Hutton by Richard Savory, operations director for the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, at a ceremony attended by staff and representatives from the Construction Industry Training Board.

The Investor in People scheme is a Government initiative that rewards companies who show they invest in their staff through training, team building programs and other initiatives.