Access, based at the Gateshead Skills Academy, is the first independent training provider in Tyne and Wear to gain the award and become recognised as a top provider of high quality, high impact training to employers. They were presented with the award by Alastair McColl, Chief Executive of Business & Enterprise North East, at their Seaham headquarters.

Managing Director, Malcolm Armstrong, commented: "Everyone here has put in a great deal of work to ensure that training programmes through Access really can make a difference to the performance of the businesses we deal with. Being the first independent training provider in Tyne & Wear to achieve this award is tremendous. Our staff can be very proud of their achievements."

It is a mark to which training providers aspire because it is tough to achieve and through it, their performance is what really sets them apart from the competition.