The company, based in Blackwood in South-East Wales, has more than 130 staff and is one of fewer than 2% of companies in the printing industry to have won this recognition.

The standard was awarded by the Welsh Assembly and assessor Julie Hobby said: "I was impressed by the way the directors at Pensord had turned the business around into a highly effective organisation.  

"The focus on developing a strong people culture is clearly adding value to the business. The IiP award is a worthy accolade for the hard work and achievements made by the whole team at Pensord," she added.

Pensord chief executive Tony Jones said the award was new but the good practice in people development had ben ongoing for the past four and half years, with extensive training and broadening of skills.

"This business is all about the people and so it is hugely gratifying to be recognised for the way we develop and broaden the skills of everyone here at Pensord," Jones said. "We are very proud to be recognised as Investors in People, particularly in an industry where such recognition is rare, and dedicate it to everyone here who has worked so hard to achieve it,"

The company's milestones include the Pensord Charter that established the foundations for all business relationships, a stakeholder scheme to reward staff with a share in the business; and a charitable trust to benefit worthy causes.

Throughout the process, Pensord has been advised by local training consultancy Qualtech.