A COMPANY that recently announced a £1m investment in its factory is now investing in its staff.

Stairlift manufacturer Bison Bede, in Consett, County Durham, has contracted Derwentside Training to help raise the skills of its administrative staff.

Eight office workers have already taken City and Guilds courses in English and maths, and more will start in September.

Personnel officer Nancy Trenerry said: "Our commitment to personal development is not just about having plaques in our reception area.

"It's much more about creating a culture of continuous improvement for all our staff."

In January, Bison Bede announced plans to spend more than £1m on the production of its curved stairlift at the Consett plant, rather than outsource to a supplier in Korea.

Managing director Steve Dickinson said: "Our commitment to personal development goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to improving business performance - you can't have one without the other."