FOUR local businesses have been recognised for their commitment to promoting and supporting health and wellbeing .

Sanctuary Group's Worcester head office, UTC Limited, One Creative and Worcestershire County Council all received level one accreditation certificates from Worcestershire Works Well – an accreditation scheme open to all Worcestershire businesses to offer support and guidance in promoting health and wellbeing – at the organisation's bi-annual event at St Andrews House Hotel, Droitwich.

The "carers in the workplace" and delegates heard from a number of speakers including; Carole Cumino, chief executive of Worcestershire Association of Carers, Jennifer Buttery, occupational psychologist at Teazle Consulting, Lisa Kemp, mfg Solicitors, Sophie James of the Stroke Association and Sam Wood, information officer at the Alzheimer’s Society, plus keynote speaker Mike Ashton, chief executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, which is a partner in the Worcestershire Works Well scheme. The awards were presented by Louise Jones, strategic director of health and wellbeing at Worcestershire University.

Jason Whittall, director, One Creative, said: “We are delighted One Creative Environments has received Worcestershire Works Well level one certification. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent working environment. In our business we recognise our professional staff are our biggest asset, and we believe in looking after all aspects of their health and wellbeing as part of our culture.”

The awards were presented by Louise Jones, Strategic Director of Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire University.

The accreditation scheme is open to public sector organisations, as well as private sector, which has led Worcestershire County Council to become one a key promoter of health and wellbeing in the workplace. Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: "We are delighted to have received a certificate of accreditation confirming the council's achievement of Level 1 of the Worcestershire Works Well standard. We are pleased that this accreditation affirms existing good practice across our organisation, and look forward to progressing towards level two of the standard."

Worcestershire Works Well is a partnership incorporating Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Regulatory Services, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Wellness Works and the Sports Partnership.