Putting its people first has enabled a Penzance based organisation to gain a nationally accredited award.

Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, which employs over 200 staff, has been awarded the Investors in People Standard for the 18th consecutive year, for the way they develop support and motivate their team.

The company operates the Scillonian III passenger ship daily from March to November into St Mary’s from Penzance Harbour, and the airline Skybus, from Lands End, Newquay and Exeter Airports.

In addition their freight ship Gry Maritha operates from Penzance Harbour to St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, all services offering a lifeline link to and from the mainland.

This year £2 million has been spent on refurbishing the Scillonian III, with the completion of a new £1m passenger terminal at Land’s End Airport and the lease of a new Twin Otter Skybus to meet passenger demand adding to the investment.

Jeff Marston, CEO of Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said: “The support of all our staff has been important in meeting the considerable challenges that the group has faced during the past two years.

"The group’s board appreciates their contribution to our success and in many cases exceeding the demands placed on the group during this period of exceptional change.”