Steelite International launches an exciting new scheme this week to pay tribute to staff who are helping them achieve new heights of success. 

Following a record trading year, the Middleport-based business is encouraging staff to celebrate colleagues' successes by putting them forward for 'Stepping up to the Plate' values awards. 

The latest part of a far reaching culture change programme, which launched in January, will see employees recognised for their contribution to the business - for outstanding achievements, a job well done, continual improvements, loyalty and community spirit. 

Monthly incentives will include letters of recognition and shopping vouchers, and will culminate in a presentation ceremony on the company's anniversary each March. 

At the launch of the scheme on Wednesday (June 22nd) - as staff break for the annual Potters Fortnight - the entire factory will break for their monthly briefing and hear about the plans. A commemorative mug will be presented to each member of staff along with nomination forms. 

Said Chief Executive Kevin Oakes: "Steelite International has undergone huge changes in the past 18 months. We have firmly cemented our place as the market leader and we owe much of our success to the extraordinary commitment of our staff.  

"We launched Stepping up to the Plate in January to take us to the next level, and staff have again risen to the challenge and embraced new ways of working and thinking. 

"We want to recognise individuals who have really worked to demonstrate our core values of commitment, creativity, responsibility, teamwork, passion, honesty, respect, leadership and success."

Stepping up to the Plate is a culture change programme which has this year seen a wide variety of activities designed to encourage staff commitment and take the business to new levels of success.  Activities have included major new training programmes across all levels of the business, working in the community and local schools and enhanced long service awards.