MILTON PARK: Express delivery firm TNT has been picked up the People Development Award' at the annual IFW Freighting Industry Awards 2006, beating off stiff competition from the biggest names in the industry.

The IFW judges were highlighted by TNT's ability to focus on the training needs of its loading bay teams, section leaders and drivers, backed by external accreditation from Investors in People and the Institute of Leadership and Management.

The panel also singled out TNT's ability to use its training methods to quantify reductions in staff turnover and absenteeism and show a decrease in accidents and loss/damage claims with a clear bottom-line benefits.

Depot general manager Wesley Kernahan said: "Our most important asset is our people, so it's great to be recognised of being in the business of making better employees, as well as making profit. The two go hand-in-hand."