A GROUP promoting links between schools and businesses has gained national recognition.

Compact Education Business Services has been accredited with the Putting the Customer First standard.

The Customer First scheme is the quality assurance standard for organisations providing Government-funded business support services.

Edgerton-based Compact works with firms, schools and community groups across Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.

Managing director Andrew Czolacz said: "We are very proud of this achievement."

Compact's 13-strong team organises events for schools such as industry visits, mock interviews and careers fairs as well as helping introduce work-related topics to lessons.

Compact managing director Andrew Czolacz is pictured (left) presenting quality and systems manager Peter Nixon with the certificate.