NORTHWICH bakery Frank Roberts and Sons Ltd has won a national award for creating a great place to work.

The family business won the prestigious Good Employer award at last week’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Awards, which were held in London.

The FDF Awards celebrate the best businesses across the food and drink industry.

The Good Employer award, sponsored by apetito, recognises companies which have made an extra effort to create a positive working environment for employees.

Frank Roberts and Sons Ltd is a fourth generation family-owned business, and has 900 employees.

Stephanie Bateson, Group HR Director at the firm, said: “We are thrilled to win.

“It recognises all the hard work that has gone into a significant cultural and development initiative which we have been implementing over the last two years.

“At its heart is a refreshed set of values – led by the Roberts family – that underpin the way we do business. It has been very well received across the business and is reaping rewards for everyone.”

FDF’s Director General Ian Wright said: “Frank Roberts and Sons’ employee engagement model is a great example of a business going the extra mile to ensure its employees’ work life experience is as fulfilling as possible.

“The firm has a strong set of values, and to build on these values and develop the at-work experience for team members the company formed an Organisational Development Group, bringing together a mix of managers from across the company, and an Engage for Growth Group, including staff representatives, also from all across the business.

“Bespoke programmes have also been created for all colleagues to foster professional development of both personal and leadership skills.

“A volunteering scheme has also begun to encourage deeper links with the wider community.

“These developments have had a positive linked effect on the business. For example, waste has decreased, accidents and sickness have reduced, product quality has increased, and customer service has improved.”

Winners’ case studies can be viewed at www.fdf.org.uk/fdf-awards-winners-2016.aspx