BEOLEY-based packaging and distribution firm Oakland International has become one of the first UK companies to receive a prestigious industry accolade for its food safety and general trading practices.

The firm has been awarded the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard 'Higher Level' certificate after a detailed inspection by auditors.

Bosses at Oakland believe they now have everything in place to go for more sought-after 'blue chip' and quality growth business thanks to the accolade.

It was highly praised in areas like hazard analysis of 'critical control points', general food manufacturing practice and factory environment standards.

Assistant operations manager Karen Drinkwater said: "We have developed our systems at Oakland over the last two years so that we keep in line with the BRC Global Standard.

"This has been important as it shows that our operating systems meet the requirements of our customers.

"The BRC certificate definitely enhances our reputation, and without it many of the larger companies with whom we would like to do business would not even consider us as a supplier."

Oakland employs 75 staff and has an annual turnover of £3 million.