Sussex-based insurance company Uniservice has achieved Investor In People status.

The company's chief executive Bob Drake was presented with the award by George Gilvear, operations director of Sussex Enterprise, at the company's Haywards Heath head office.

Mr Drake said: "We wanted to invest in our staff and offer them the best training possible, making them feel appreciated and motivated. Investors in People enables us to make this happen."

Uniservice provides insurance and other services to almost one million trade union members and their families around the UK.

Using call handling systems, its staff deals with more than 10,000 telephone inquiries a month, from motor insurance quotations to orders for mobile phones or computer equipment.

Mr Gilvear said: "Customers will see an Investors in People company is committed to offering a quality service through the motivation and experience of its staff.

"The award also puts out a strong message to potential employees that the company offers excellent training opportunities and career development."