A WELL trained and educated workforce is key to the development of any company.

And the firms best committed to investing in their staff will be recognised at the prestigious 2012 South Coast business Awards.

The judges will be looking for companies that can demonstrate how their investment brought success through improved performance as well as fostering a committed, motivated and effective workforce.

Southampton-based British American Tobacco (BAT) is proudly sponsoring the award for commitment to education and training.

The firm has been part of the Southampton’s Business community for almost 100 years and employs 1,100 staff in Millbrook as part of a 60,000 global workforce.

After ending commercial manufacturing in Southampton in 2006, BAT’s operation in the city now provides a strategic research and development centre along with a wide range of office functions to support its global business.

Steve Hemsley, commercial manager at BAT group research and development, said: “A commitment to education and training is key to the future development of any company. The results speak for themselves through improved performance and a highly motivated, effective workforce.

Investment in training can only be good for the future success of a company.”