Clark Contracts was presented with the award following an assessment completed by Healthy Working Lives, an NHS Scotland initiative aiming to help Scottish businesses improve the health, safety, wellbeing and productivity of staff.

During the visit, the assessor commended the company’s engagement in supporting positive mental health and promoting physical activity and observed employees enthusiasm and appreciation for the initiatives the company has introduced through the scheme.

Having initially joined the Healthy Working Lives programme in 2015, Clark Contracts achieved the Bronze Award in 2016, having implemented initiatives including free fresh fruit in both its Paisley and Edinburgh offices, the formation of a lunchtime walking club and delivering health, safety and wellbeing information campaigns and activities.

To achieve the Silver Award, the company has made a significant investment in promoting positive Mental Health, with over £11,000 being invested into a series of training including Mental Health First Aid, Mental Health Champions and half-day awareness sessions. A number of physical activities have also been offered to employees including walking groups, hill climbs and participation in events including the Great Scottish Run and Pedal for Scotland.

HWL advisor, Margaret Comrie, said: “I have had the pleasure of being the HWL Advisor for Clark Contracts since they signed up for the HWL award back in 2015. They are one of my most enthusiastic companies and the working group have organised events and campaigns on a wide range of topics in the past few years. I have been particularly impressed by their commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues among all staff and training line managers on how to deal with this important topic.”

Managing director, Gordon Cunningham, added: “It is great to have our commitment to improving the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees recognised.”

Clark Contracts is now working towards achieving the Gold Award, with initiatives including a Summer Training Group already established, with employees setting personal goals to achieve over a 12 week period and recording these through the use of Strava.