Josh Kedward and Amelia Bourton have been taken on as business management graduates on the company's graduate scheme, which was launched last year.

They are the firm's first graduate recruits and it is now looking to roll out the programme this year and may take on more graduates.

Director Tim Browning said: “We recognise the value young graduates can bring an international envelope and postal packaging brand selling over 2 billion products a year.”

“Our business is growing, but it's also excelling because our graduate programme gives us access to a talent pool we wouldn't necessarily have through other methods of recruitment.”

He said the company, which has around 50 staff and a turnover of around £24m, was “continuing to grow and strengthen in these difficult times”. Blake supplies 1,437 different product types.

The training programme encourages graduates to learn all aspects of the business and take external management qualifications.

Amelia Bourton said: “It was the ethos and feel of Blake that most attracted me to apply. I liked the look of the graduate programme because I will rotate around the company, spending time in most departments.”

Applied psychology graduate Josh Kedward said: “I wanted to progress my career by adding managerial experience to my CV and I came across the Blake job.

“This looked like a great opportunity to gain the experience I required with the additional chance of obtaining formal management qualifications.”

“While on the interview day it quickly became apparent what an exciting and forward-thinking company Blake are and I am really excited to be part of the team.”