ACORN Recruitment and Training is bursting with pride after the success of its middle management team on a course with the Institute of Leadership & Manag-ement (ILM).

Twenty managers and team leaders were successful in achieving the ILM's training certificate.

Acorn founder and managing director Matt Southall said: "We understand the importance of developing our management team and this qualification provides the foundation of our succession planning."

The ILM supports national objectives of ensuring the UK can develop leaders and managers for the future, with a particular focus on first-line and middle level candidates.

The courses were introduced at Acorn last year.

To celebrate the team's success an award presentation was held at Acorn's Somerton House attended by ILM national manager Arthur Turner.

Mr Turner said: "This is a great achievement for every individual involved. I'm pleased that so many of the team achieved these qualifications as it should spur the company towards further success."

Acorn now delivers the ILM course as part of its external management training programme.

Mr Southall said: "By delivering this course to Acorn staff our clients can see the benefits first hand."

Founded in 1992, Acorn has grown into a £40m turnover business which employs over 200 people.