Livingston-based Esh Border Construction has joined an elite group of businesses achieving a silver status accredited by Investors in Young People (IIYP), Scotland’s benchmark for good people management practice.

The new recognition firmly establishes the company as an employer of choice for young people and showcases its outstanding record of youth recruitment and retention.

Esh Border Construction is now eligible to use and display the Investors in Young People silver logo and plaque while enjoying its associated benefits.

Offered to all businesses across Scotland since 2014, IIYP is the only people management award to focus on the future of the country’s young workforce.

In order to achieve its Investors in Young People status, Esh Border Construction had to meet stringent standards set by an external assessor – and it now believes that the award will be particularly prized by its housing association clients who uphold the standard.

The award comes on the back of the company, which employs more than 100 people, launching its new Livingston base in Fairways Business Park – a key strategic lynchpin for the business as it looks to build on its success in Scotland.

Esh Border Construction was also shortlisted in the Corporate Social Responsibility category at the Scottish Business Awards earlier this month.

Simon Phillips, regional managing director for Scotland, said: “This is a fantastic achievement that we at Esh Border Construction are all extremely proud of, and after a prolonged period of assessment, are delighted that everyone’s hard work has been rewarded with the prestigious silver accreditation.

“We believe the award shows just how dedicated Esh Border Construction is to recruiting young staff and supporting their long-term development - and how much we value their contribution to our ongoing success.

“Investors in Young People accreditation is the mark of a great employer, and we firmly believe that young people are the lifeblood of a successful organisation.

“However, we are not resting on our laurels – it is simply the start of the next stage of improving our business further, part of which will involve striving for the gold standard.

“We are hugely excited about the future as we look to fresh challenges, while at the same time supporting the development and further education of our staff.”

The establishment of the Livingston office also witnessed the roll-out of the hugely successful and innovative Esh Border Construction Added Value programmes – including the award-winning Building My Skills educational programme for Scottish schools.