AN accountancy practice has won an award for its commitment to apprentices.

Mitchells Grievson, in Bishop Auckland, picked up the small employer of the year title at the National Apprenticeship Regional Awards.

The company, which was nominated by Team Valley-based Access Training, now go forward to a national final in Birmingham in November.

Within its 18-strong team, eight started as apprentices and four are undertaking an apprenticeship course through Access.

Co-director Andrew Houghton, who started as an apprentice, said: “For more than 40 years, we have been recruiting and training apprentices, some of whom have stayed with us and progressed right up to fully qualified accountants.

“Others have moved on, but we’re proud that in every single case we’ve been able to give our youngsters the best possible start to their careers.

“To win this regional award given the competition we were up against is a huge achievement for us and is a true reflection of how instrumental apprentices are, and will remain, to our business.”

Malcolm Armstrong, Access’ managing director, added: “There are thousands of employers, from small and medium-sized firms, to multi nationals, who support apprenticeships in our region.

“So for Mitchells Grievson to win this award is a tremendous achievement.

“The team has always shown great support and commitment to their apprentices.”

Other regional winners included Livin Housing, in Spennymoor, County Durham, which picked up the medium employer of the year title, and Cestria Community Housing Association, in Chester-le-Street, which was named newcomer of the year in the small and medium employer category.

Sam Scott, of Livin Futures, was named intermediate apprentice of the year.

The National Apprenticeship Award winners will be announced on November 13.