Van Elle, one of the country’s leading geotechnical specialists, proves its greatest assets are its staff by celebrating becoming Investors In People (IIP) in a presentation with John Kirkland OBE, Chairman of the East Midlands Learning and Skills Council.

Since Van Elle was founded in 1984, Chairman Michael Ellis has made a long term commitment to develop the company through its people. The Pinxton based geotechnical specialists have experienced massive year on year growth, with a turnover of £45 million the company has recently expanded to employ over 370 people in a wide range of disciplines in the UK and Ireland.

It only took Van Elle a relatively short four months from applying to being recommended for IIP. The Deputy Group Managing Director Vic Handley believes the award "is an endorsement of what we have always done.” The Director of Personnel and Safety, Mick Mason, aims “to give employees career opportunities by encouraging internal promotions and personal development,” he believes, “staff are recognised for their achievements and that recent growth can be directly attributed to its people.” The IIP award is a real endorsement of the company ethos.

“Van Elle has a very clear purpose and vision... training is seen as being paramount to the success of the company not only in terms of providing a first class service to its customers but in terms of health and safety,” says Keith Bauckham, the IIP assessor. The availability of training is a key strength at Van Elle, “all staff are actively encouraged to develop skills and knowledge and to update their professional qualifications.” Employees feel recognised for their achievements and “the company invests heavily in its people” says Keith Bauckham.

The IIP report identified that Van Elle recently achieved its best half yearly result to date. “The company’s ongoing commitment to training and development has played a major part in this achievement,” says Keith Bauckham. “The company’s market position has increased massively from 11th place three years ago to its current position of being the 5th largest in the country.”

Being awarded IIP comes as no surprise for everyone working at the company, “You can really better yourself here, the training is really good” says one employee. “The management here are brilliant they are all very approachable and supportive...this company is not just about making money it’s interested in the welfare of it’s people”.

On the day the Investors In People plaque was unveiled by John Kirkland OBE and 16 employees were recognised for their training and commitment with the company. Most onsite staff attending the day achieved their NVQ level 2, over 90 Van Elle employees have gained the NVQ since its inception, demonstrating a huge achievement by the company. “We want all our staff to have recognised qualification proving their competence and ability in their chosen career,” says Mick Mason.

With a growing business and proud happy staff, Van Elle looks to build on its current success and achieve great things in the future.