Burlescombe-based XYZ Machine Tools (www.xyzmachinetools.com) has been awarded accreditation from Alcumus SafeContractor for its ‘excellence in health and safety in the workplace’ — an award that is used and recognised by SMEs and FTSE 100 companies across the UK.

XYZ’s involvement in the manufacturing/engineering sector, with its requirement for installing heavy high-technology machine tools, sees it working with companies from owner-operated sub-contractors through to the largest ‘blue chip’ manufacturing businesses.

Customer service manager Julia Aggett said: “Safe operation within our business has always been a priority, and our health and safety record is up there with the best.

“Not resting on our laurels, we recognised that customers need a formal recognition of these efforts; this award gives us the more transparent and managed system that will keep our standards at the high levels that XYZ and its customers expect.”

Gemma Archibald, director of Alcumus SafeContractor, said: “Major organisations simply cannot afford to run the risk of employing contractors that cannot prove they have sound health-and-safety policies in place.

“More companies need to understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that XYZ has done.

“The firm’s high standard has set an example which hopefully will be followed by other companies within the sector.”