BLUE Moon Creative, the branding and graphic design company from Pershore, has won a major business award.

It took the West Midlands' employer of the year (small business) category at the Skills Funding Agency apprenticeship awards in Birmingham and will now go on to the national finals in November.

The company based in Pershore High Street specialises in strategy-led branding and graphic design, responsive website design and illustrated short videos. Since 2012 with support from learning provider Creative Alliance, Blue Moon has recruited, up-skilled and retained three apprentices. A fourth hired in 2013 is also about to complete her course and move into full time employment with the firm.

Michael Taite, Blue Moon Creative managing director, said: “The greatest compliment to our apprentices, and the difference they have made to our business some two and a half years in, is the fact that clients now routinely call them direct and clearly enjoy working with them.”

Sue Husband, executive director apprenticeships and delivery, Skills Funding Agency, added: "My personal congratulations go to Blue Moon Creative, It is fantastic to see their apprenticeship programme investing heavily in talent, allowing apprentices to learn, grow and prosper from day one of their apprenticeship. The Apprenticeship Awards give great exposure to the fantastic work being done by apprentices and employers across the country, while highlighting the positive impact skills investment has on both the individual and the employer.”

The National Apprenticeships Awards, now in their eleventh year, celebrate the achievements of the country’s most outstanding apprentices and apprenticeship employers. The national award winners will be revealed during an awards ceremony at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on November 13.