Pure Resourcing Solutions (Pure) would like to congratulate Kinnerton Confectionery on winning the highly esteemed 2014 EDP Business Award for Best Employer.

The Norfolk business won the accolade for its outstanding approach to employee engagement at the gala event last Thursday (6^th November) at the Norfolk Showground.

Sponsored by Pure, the category was open to a broad range of local organisations. Entrants were judged on their success in demonstrating a clear vision, innovation in keeping employees motivated and inspired, providing a positive working environment, and involvement in the local community.

Lynn Walters, Director of Pure, who judged the category alongside Dee Wilmott, HR Director of Archant, says: “Kinnerton demonstrated that it has progressed its employee engagement culture over the last year. For instance, the company has introduced a successful apprenticeship scheme, helping young people into employment, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“Kinnerton has also created a culture that emphasises listening to staff, and acting on feedback. The firm also uses innovative ways to reward and thank staff for great performance.”

Dean Hunter, Head of HR at Kinnerton, says: "This award is recognition for each and every person who works for Kinnerton, for the tireless dedication and passion they demonstrate day in, day out. Kinnerton has come a long way in a relatively short time, and we need to keep communicating and engaging people in what we are trying to do - making Kinnerton an even better place to work. We are well on the road in a journey that does not have an end point.”

Kinnerton, which employs 700 permanent staff and has a very diverse workforce, was a finalist for the second consecutive year. Pure would also like to congratulate the runners up Naked Wines and Mills and Reeves; both also demonstrated excellence.

The quality of entries was exceptionally high this year, indicating that employers are very aware of the importance of a culture of employee engagement. Many entries came from the professional services industry - a sector that is making significant strides in developing its employee culture.

Sponsoring this category is a natural fit for Pure; the business also works to identify and promote the best employers in the East of England through its initiative, Best Employers, Eastern Region (BEER), which was co-founded with eras ltd and launched in 2012. The initiative includes seminars, an employee survey and awards.