Pictured above: Will Nixon

A Stoke-based social enterprise is celebrating after it was awarded a prestigious place on a regional programme recognising inspirational enterprises.

PM Training, based on College Road, received the honour from Social Enterprise West Midlands (SEWM) which is celebrating its second anniversary.

To mark the occasion, SEWM has launched its Flagship Programme which aims to gather and share good practice in the promotion and development of social enterprise.

Will Nixon, Chief Executive of PM Training, said: "We are delighted; PM Training will now be used as a prime example of how social enterprise is positively contributing to the region both economically and socially."

PM Training tackles worklessness by giving those with few or no qualifications an alternative route into employment. The organisation creates more than 800 training and employment opportunities every year to help tackle youth unemployment.

"This is a fantastic achievement for PM Training and we are thrilled to be among the best, with only four other social enterprises recognised," added Will.

"We look forward to sharing our good practice and using this new partnership to further improve the way we operate."

The Flagship Programme is a two year project that was launched in April 2009. It is funded by Capacitybuilders and delivered by SEWM.

Kevin Maton, Network Director of SEWM, said: "Congratulations must go to all five organisations as well as those who were shortlisted.

"They are all exceptional enterprises who encapsulate the fundamental principles of achieving difficult social goals through sound commercial work.

"A great deal has been achieved in this region over the last two years but if the social enterprise sector is to win the business it needs to grow, we need more examples that have real meaning to people in the West Midlands."

Since its launch, PM Training has provided tailor-made training and life-coaching programmes for nearly 9,000 people.

The organisation has major contracts with the Learning and Skills Council and provides training in a variety of subjects ranging from basic numeracy and literacy to NVQ management programmes. All courses are delivered by highly qualified and experienced staff in state-of-the-art facilities.