THREE local businesses have been acclaimed at an Investors in People ceremony in Plymouth recently.

Solicitors Hollinshead and Co of Tavistock first achieved the award three years ago — they have now been re-recognised by business service PROSPER. Since 1997 Hollinshead's turnover and profit has increased significantly and it has invested heavily in information technology.

'We are delighted to have been recognised as an Investor in People for the second time,' said Sharon Babb, practice manager.

'For us, the investment in staff development and training is a necessary part of our present and future success.'

Also achieving accreditation for the second time is Fairway Furniture, which has introduced continuous in-house training programmes for all staff, enabling the company to out-perform similar stores.

'The good practices of Investors in People have certainly had an impact not just on sales figures but on getting things right first time, every time,' said managing director John Harding.

And Westward Laboratories of Callington has more than doubled its staff since it was first given Investors in People recognition in 1996.

Now re-recognised, the company has maintained its reputation as one of the country's foremost independent food testing laboratories.