This month, their commitment to the plan has earned them an award for Best Share Ownership Plan in the category of company with fewer than 1,500 employees from the European Centre for Employee Ownership. The judging panel praised the "evident dedication of the company to promoting both the concept and value creation of employee share ownership." They also stated that Cyril Sweett were "punching above their weight" on the employee share ownership front.

The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) offers a full range of ‘Partnership’, ‘Matching’, ‘Free’ and ‘Dividend’ shares to all employees from day one of employment. The tax efficiencies offered by purchasing shares in the SIP is a strong incentive for employee participation.

Mike Kemsley, Finance and Operations Director said: "The Directors at Cyril Sweett Limited believe fundamentally that encouraging a wide employee share ownership plan will help to build a sustainable business providing careers, personal development, profits and capital growth opportunities over the longer term.

"Much of Cyril Sweett’s success is due to the fact that the control of the business is in the hands of the people who know it best and who are most committed to making it succeed."

Mr. Kemsley received the award from Malcolm Hurleston, Chairman of the Employee Share Ownership Centre at the European Centre for Employee Ownership Awards which were held at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes.