20 June 2008

Merseytravel Scoops North West Regional Award

Merseytravel, the Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority and Executive, is celebrating its success today after winning a learndirect Achievement Award at the North West Regional Awards Ceremony.

Merseytravel have won the North West Region Company Award, sponsored by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). The award recognises businesses that have supported staff to undertake learndirect learning and who have recognised the part that learndirect can play in supporting business objectives.

Merseytravel was praised for offering a true learning culture throughout its organisation. The company has widened its strategy to encompass its local transport partner Merseyrail and has secured a two-year secondment of one of Merseyrails’ Union Learning Reps to develop this opportunity. The company continue to see the benefits to the company of encouraging staff training throughout its organisation.

Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel said on receiving the award:

“We’re absolutely delighted! The flexibility of learndirect helps us reach all our employees. learndirect is helping us achieve results that speak for themselves.”

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive at the NWDA said:

“The skills base of the Northwest workforce is critical to the economic development of the region. Recognition of those companies and individuals who have excelled provide a platform to raise standards across the board and celebrate a regional success.”

Dereth Wood, Ufi Operations Director said:

“The North West Regional winners and highly commended nominees have demonstrated an inspirational commitment to developing their skills and qualifications. As a great encouragement to millions of learners across England, each of these individuals truly deserves recognition. I wish them the best of luck at the national ceremony in October.”

ENDS

For more information or further case studies contact:

Lucy Dormandy on 0207 2998749 or lucy.dormandy@geronimocommunications.com

Gemma Bottery on 020 7299 8786 or gemma.bottery@geronimocommunications.com

Clare Richardson on 020 7299 8766 or clare.richardson@geronimocommunications.com

Notes to Editors:

• Thousands of individuals and businesses develop their skills every week by taking learndirect courses

• To recognise their achievements learndirect is running the learndirect Achievement Awards for the second year, to celebrate the success of the learndirect network across England and Wales

• The awards will recognise the achievements of people learning with learndirect, businesses training with learndirect, and centres supporting them

• Regional finalists will be invited to a national final in October 2008