A SWINDON insurance company has picked up the equivalent of an industry Oscar for helping staff progress in their careers.

Be Wiser Insurance, which has an office in Dorcan, picked up the Excellence in Professional Development accolade at the Insurance Times Awards in London last week.

Two of the firm's graduate apprentices were chosen to present the awards, which highlight best practice and are regarded as setting the standards in the industry.

Chief executive Mark Bower-Dykes said: “It’s awesome, I’m really proud of our two young graduate apprentices who presented to the judges. I’m delighted we are continuing to breathe new life into the industry.”

Judges commented on the award, saying: “We were impressed with their holistic approach to developing their staff, not just in a professional environment, but wanting to improve their staff as people too.”

Be Wiser provides nationally-recognised training schemes to help young people start their careers in the insurance industry.

The company’s BA Hons Insurance degree allows young people to earn a living as a Be Wiser employee, while working towards a degree on day release at college.