With the help of the trade body, the Leicestershire-based company is putting its staff through NVQ Level two customer service training.

Employees from all three of the company's businesses, including subsidiaries C&R and FastAnt, have taken part - from the shop floor through to senior management.

HR manager Louise Wilby said: "We have a reputation of providing a first-class customer service experience, with a service philosophy which is ingrained throughout the organisation. This is such a significant area of our business that needs to be continually reviewed and developed. 

"The training will reinforce the importance of customer service at all levels of the business and improve delivery of customer satisfaction through improved communication and team working. Personal development is extremely important to us and any training had to be relevant to the individual, the business and the industry."

The training will cover three main aspects - teamwork, communication and understanding and respect.

A second stage of the programme will see a further raft of employees undertake the training programme in September this year, while further development could see staff embarking on an NVQ Level 3 training in the future.