THE boss of a North East training firm has been recognised nationally for his work.

Peter Robinson, chairman of Darlington-headquartered Nordic Pioneer, has been appointed as an Honorary Member of the City & Guilds.

The title was awarded to Peter for his “significant involvement in, and contribution to, the furtherance of the work of the institute in technical and vocational education training.”

Peter’s Honorary Membership of the City & Guilds comes after he was made a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners last year – a title which then allowed him to apply successfully to become a Freeman of the City of London. Peter has since also been awarded the prestigious position of Liveryman within the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners.

Nordic Pioneer operates in the cleaning, environment, housing and waste management sectors and, as well as workforce development, it delivers  apprenticeship programmes to young people across the country.

Last month, for the second year in succession, the company won the  Eric Hill Award – one of the highest accolades in the cleaning industry which is awarded by the City & Guilds Institute in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners.

Peter also visited Buckingham Palace earlier this year when Nordic trainee-turned-employee Sion Netzler received an award from The Princess Royal on behalf of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners for his outstanding achievements in the sector.

Reacting to his latest accolade, Peter said: "I'm delighted and honoured with the award but, although I have worked hard over the years, a huge amount of credit must go to my team. I'm surrounded by excellent people and this award is testimony to them and their hard work.

"It’s been another fantastic year for Nordic and I'm looking forward to what 2013 brings."

Matt Lardi, Senior Portfolio Manager at City & Guilds, said: “Having worked closely with Peter for the past five years, I’ve seen first hand the excellent work that Nordic Pioneer does and the difference it makes to people’s lives.

“Honorary Membership is City & Guilds’ way of recognising those who have gone the extra mile to promote excellence in vocational education and we are delighted Peter has accepted this acknowledgment.”

Nordic, which operates across the country from its Darlington HQ, has been involved in the cleaning industry since 1994.