Tourism South East has announced that 26 businesses in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have received awards for high standards of employment and business development practices under its Partners in Success scheme.

The course, which the companies have taken part in over the past few months, delivers recommendations and advice on codes of best practice in employment, health and safety, training, equal opportunities, communication and customer service.

Five of the 26 companies went on to take part in Partners in Success Plus, which also covers business planning, delivering service excellence, marketing, e-commerce, managing people and financial management.

The scheme is funded by South East England Development Agency and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Learning and Skills Council in partnership with Totton College.

The businesses involved were presented with accreditation certificates at Marwell Zoo by Tourism South East’s managing director, Robert Collier.

“Excellence in training and development has significant long-term benefits for everyone in the tourism industry,” said Collier. “I am delighted to see so many businesses achieve this prestigious award.”