A STOURBRIDGE accountancy firm stole the show at an annual vocational learning award ceremony as it took away the title of Employer of the Year.

Baldwins, which is based on Stourbridge Ring Road, beat off the challenge of ten fellow companies to win the top prize at the In-Comm Training Awards.

This is the fourth time the awards have been handed out to celebrate young apprentices and adult learners across the area.

The company received praise from the judges for nurturing young people in a way that helps them reach their potential within the business support environment.

The company’s 22-year-old employee Rachel Green, of Hagley, also secured a prize, picking up the ‘Apprentice of the Year – Business Support’ award.

Rachel impressed bosses at the company with her enthusiasm and quality of work, which has seen her promoted to a more senior position that involves training and mentoring other staff.

Rebecca Phillips, of In-Comm Training and Business Services, said: “2015 has been a record year for entries and reflects the fact we have more than 400 people training either at our academy in Aldridge or across manufacturers and professional services firms across the West Midlands.

“Baldwins is a fantastic example of a company that is committed to developing its staff so they can reach their full potential.... a role model for other firms to follow.”

David Baldwin, a partner at the firm, said: “We have an ongoing commitment to playing our part in the development of the next generation of the workforce.

“We have had some fantastic apprentices in the past and Rachel is a fine example of what can be achieved with focus in a working environment conducive to the development of its staff.”