A COMPANY has been recognised for its investment in the insurance profession and its commitment to training and development – with a nomination at the British Insurance Awards.

Wilby Ltd, the Halifax-based insurance and risk management specialist, has been nominated for the Investing in the Profession Award which is open to any firm operating in the general insurance market. The awards will be presented tomorrow in London.

Over the past two years, Wilby has invested heavily in its staff and has developed an apprenticeship programme with Calderdale College.

It has also developed links with Huddersfield University and local schools to raise the profile of the industry to attract newcomers and accelerate development of their existing workforce.

Wilby’s efforts have already been recognised at the annual Calderdale Training Employers Awards, when the company took home the Outstanding Contribution to Training Award.

Wilby Ltd director Mike Shaw said: “We believe that our staff are the most important asset the company has and we are delighted that our investment in their development has been recognised by this nomination.

“In the current economic climate, it can be tempting to cut back on staff development.

“However, we have seen the business benefits of our continued investment through several internal promotions and improvements in efficiency and staff motivation.”