Metro was awarded Investors in People Champion status at a ceremony held at London's Kensington Roof Garden on Thursday 29 November.

Investors in People Champion status recognises employers that have boosted the productivity of their organisation through the way they manage and develop their employees. Each Champion organisation has demonstrated consistent commitment to people development as a way of delivering its goals.

As a Champion, Metro will now work with Investors in People UK to help other employers by sharing its experience and success in the area of people development.

Sheena Pickersgill, Metro's Director of Corporate Services, said, "We are delighted that our commitment to our people has been recognised by this prestigious award, and that we are one of just 36 Investors in People Champions nationally.

"We believe this accolade recognises our commitment to staff development, and the success this has helped us achieve. We look forward to sharing our experience with other employers and showing how placing people at the heart of the business is key to any organisation's success."

Presenting the awards, Simon Jones, Investors in People's Acting Chief Executive said, "I am delighted to award the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive Champion status. I am sure they, along with the other new Champion organisations, will bring huge benefits to the programme."

David Lammy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills, commented; "Investors in People Champions have demonstrated real commitment to the development of their people and clearly recognise the link between properly skilled employees and benefits to their bottom-line and overall organisational performance. I congratulate them on their achievements."

"Metro first achieved Investors in People status in 1998 and has retained it since," added Sheena Pickersgill.

"It has played a important part in the people management initiatives that we have introduced over the last few years and has I am sure, led to other accolades including being recognised as ranked as one of the UK's best companies to work for in Guardian's Britain's Top Employers list."