A HUMAN resources team in Ramsbottom is celebrating winning a top industry award.

Staff at People Matters HR have walked away with the Breathe Partner of the Year trophy.

The cloud-based HR software operator picked out the Ramsbottom company from more than 600 firms across the UK.

Partner director Nicky Forsyth said: "People Matters HR (PMHR) has been an enthusiastic partner of Breathe for over five years and our partnership has flourished since they took the decision to make Breathe an integral part of their offering to clients.

"PMHR were selected as our Partner of the Year for their dedication to the industry combined with good business practice mixed with lots of fun.”

Judges picked out the borough venture for their 'fresh approach' to their discipline in the small and medium sized businesses market.

First founded by Niel Cope in 2011, PMHR says it offers a director-level outsourced HR solution at a fraction of the conventional cost, allowing customers to create strong leaders and engaged teams.

Mr Cope, chief executive, said: "When the first lockdown began, bosses had no real guidance on how to handle this unprecedented turn of events. Words like 'furlough' that are now commonplace were pretty much unknown.

“As a HR company, we had to quickly step in to ensure all of our clients were operating effectively and treating their staff fairly".

New offices, to accommodate agile working and act as a hub for clients and staff, and an extra member of staff are among the fresh developments for PMHR.

Mr Cope added:

Niel Cope, Managing Director said: "It’s been a rollercoaster of a year and it’s a huge honour to win this prestigious accolade.

"The Breathe awards really do showcase the best of the best in the HR world and the competition is tough.

“At People Matters HR, it’s our mission to transform our client’s businesses through award-winning consultancy services that increases their profits through combining outstanding innovative thinking with fantastic value."