People and companies in Hampshire were honoured by IBP Training and Employment for outstanding achievements in the fields of training and personal development.

The awards were presented to companies who have shown dedication to developing a learning culture, training providers who had demonstrated excellence in their delivery and to unemployed people who had been helped by IBP to develop successful new careers.

Set up in 1999, IBP is a local partnership between the public and private sector.

A not-for-profits organisation, it aims to provide practical assistance in the field of training and personal development, helping both employers and employees to succeed.

Meridian TV presenter Fred Dineage also joined guests at the event, attended by 120 people and held at the Concorde Club in Eastleigh, to officially launch IBP's latest venture - 'Hub4All', an interactive website enabling businesses to seek and offer training.

Supported by the Learning & Skills Council for Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, the project is currently offering free courses in the field of management and supervisory skills.

Winners included David Lowman from Chandler's Ford, who picked up the IBP Trainee of the Year trophy.

For personal reasons he found himself needing to change career after 30 years in the print industry.

He joined IBP, concerned that he would not be able to find employment in a new sector.

Now David has heard that he is to work in Winchester, supporting the development of the European Computer Driving Licence programme within the NHS.

Bridget Safe, also a local recipient, was awarded the Southampton and Eastleigh Employment in Construction (SEECON) trophy.

Currently being supported through her second year at Eastleigh College, she is working steadily towards her long term goal, which is to become a fully qualified plumber and in turn develop a career to fit in with her family commitments.

One of her supervisors said: "She more than holds her own in an environment dominated by men and her commitment is such that she is even enquiring about an evening carpentry course to assist with her plumbing."

Other award winners were:

Jacquie Horne of Southampton Voluntary Services - Good Practice Award for the development of a learning culture within the voluntary sector.

Deborah Willis - commended for Excellence in Training Delivery.

Jason Gregg of He-Man Dual Controls - IBP Personal Achievement Award.