A year ago the company set itself the target of gaining the silver accreditation, which required an additional 76 evidence points on top of the current 'standard' level it held.

IIP describes its standard as "the benchmark of good people management" that "defines what it takes to lead, support and manage people for sustained success".

Simpson Group underwent a rigorous assessment methodology and framework including surveys and interviews with a broad selection of employees.

Assessors looked for an integrated behaviour as well as evidence that staff were involved and empowered effectively. It signed up to the IIP initiative in 1993.

The company is based in Washington, Tyne and Wear, with a sales office in Slough. It has a turnover of £12m and employs 120 staff.

The business is due to take delivery of a £230,000 Col-Tec to transform collating from a hand-operated process to full automation drawing from retailer spreadsheets to hone accuracy.

“From the thousands that seek Investors in People accreditation, only 6% gain the coveted silver status and we’re proud to be in that 6%,” said chairman Mark Simpson.

“We aim to improve every 18 months and our next goal is gold standard followed by the highest, platinum, which only about 1% of businesses achieve.

“IIP is good as it encourages you to keep raising the bar on skills and lifetime learning, which is very important in print where most machines are similar – it's the people that make the difference.”

IIP North of England managing director Steve Burrows said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Simpson Group.

“IIP is designed to help organisations and their people realise potential, providing a simple road map for excellence.”

Last April Simpson Group completed a £1.5m investment with the installation of a Crest 3200 X-Y RSC cutter.

It followed an earlier installation of a new HP Scitex FB 10000 digital press, which replaced two HP FB 7600s at the company a year before.