MDM Timber saw off competition from 400 other companies to win a special training award.

The Basildon importer and distributor took the Education & Life-long Learning Award in the annual regional business awards run by the Southend Evening Echo newspaper.

According to MDM managing director Malcolm Allum, it won the prize for its success in “integrating staff development with strategic business development”.

“We were given this award because we can prove that training is worthwhile both for the trainee and our company,’ he said. “One of the judging criteria looked at the improvement in business and productivity generated by our commitment to training. There’s no doubt that it has brought us rewards.”

&#8220One of the judging criteria looked at the improvement in business and productivity generated by our commitment to training. There’s no doubt that it has brought us rewards”

Malcolm Allum, managing director, MDM Timber

He added that 25% of MDM’s staff had already been on the SCA Timber Supply training course and a number had either now taken, or may soon start the IWSc certificate course.

“The judges wanted to see evidence of training which was directly relevant to the business and which could provide an increase in staff competencies and confidence,” said Mr Allum. “The SCA training course has given members of our team an excellent start and we will be encouraging a further two employees down this route in the autumn. And it’s not just our younger staff taking advantage of the training – the age range on the course has been from early 20s up to nearly 40.”

Besides improving employees’ business and timber knowledge, Mr Allum believes training has increased MDM staff loyalty. “People appreciate we’re investing in their future and we haven’t lost anybody for three years.”

MDM was also a finalist in the Environmental Awareness and Growing Business of the Year categories of the Southend Evening Echo awards.