TWO businesses in Bracknell and Reading have been recognised by Anne, Princess Royal.

Allegis Group and Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd have been recognised by the Princess Royal Training Awards, which recognises businesses across the UK for demonstrating exceptional commitment to training and development.

Despite facing unprecedented challenges due to Covid-19, the organisations receiving the standard of excellence have created and delivered highly engaging training programmes which have resulted in significant measurable impact.

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During the pandemic, Bracknell-based talent solutions company Allegis Group needed to refocus due to the decline in the need for contract staff.

Therefore, an in-house programme was developed to train employees to sell solutions to help solve clients’ wider business challenges.

Because of this, income from selling these services has increased exponentially and 50 per cent of Allegis’s business now focuses on managed services compared to 20 per cent previously.

Several of this year’s Princess Royal Training Awards recipients have innovatively used training as a way of addressing skills shortages and skills gaps in their sector.

Lee Marley Brickwork, based in Woodley, Reading, is a specialist contractor providing brickwork, stonework, and scaffolding services.

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In 2016, Lee Marley Brickwork established an apprenticeship programme to develop competent staff and attract the best new talent.

As a former apprentice, the owner is passionate about creating a holistic programme going beyond construction skills by also developing the behaviour and confidence of its apprentices.

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, chief executive of the City & Guilds Group, said: “The last 18 months have caused disruption to the way most organisations operate which has led to major changes for all of us in how we live and work.

"Despite these challenges, it’s fantastic to see two very strong programmes being awarded for Berkshire-based organisations who are clearly committed to training and development. We are really looking forward to bringing all of our award recipients together and celebrating at our annual ceremony later this year.”