Derby-based patent and trade mark attorneys Swindell and Pearson beat off competition to win a top national training award.

The company, whose office is in Friar Gate, won the learning through work award at the learndirect achievement awards because of its link up with the University of Derby.

Earlier this year Swindell and Pearson had won the East Midlands award and in the final beat four other organisations or individuals who had been put through from 12 regions.

The company won the award because of a scheme involving six people in three different departments. It wanted to boost efficiency, modernise systems and so improve services to its clients.

Practice director Phil Mulchinock said that the six people achieved more than originally planned.

Having been introduced to higher education the employees achieved fantastic results academically. They then formed themselves into a team to see how they could improve efficiency even more and came up with a scheme to learn each others' roles.

"The University was great - their system helped our staff and the firm reaped the benefits from greater efficiency and improved client service," said Phil.

"We are delighted with the success of the scheme. Our staff, guided by the University, engaged with the projects and moved the business forward as well as enhancing their own professional development. It was a win, win result."

The award was presented at a glittering ceremony at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London, hosted by celebrity Eamonn Holmes and his wife Ruth Langsford.

The company was presented with a glass trophy and a cheque for £500.

Now all the company's 40 plus employees are going to benefit from the success of the scheme. "The money will go towards a Christmas party to reward all our staff," said Phil.