A COMPANY has won a national award for its work with apprentices.

Ginger Nut Media, based in Colchester, has 32 staff of which nine are apprentices and five are former apprentices.

The digital marketing company has won Newcomer of the Year in the National Apprenticeship Awards, and has been named one of the top 100 apprenticeship employers in the UK.

Phil Warnock, managing director, said he was honoured to have been recognised.

He said: “We are delighted and wholeheartedly recommend apprenticeships to other employers who are keen to grow their business.”

Mr Warnock said he decided to invest in apprenticeships as a way to grow the company steadily.

He said: “Our apprentices have established themselves as the future of the company and are already committing to long-term projects.

“Since hiring our apprentices we have been able to undertake projects that previously were being outsourced due to staffing, keeping the costs and experience in-house.

“Another key benefit to our business from the apprentices has been the ability to diversify our business and move into new markets, such as design and other advertising models.”

Ginger Nut Media specialises in email advertising and multimedia design services.

It was launched three years ago with a single member of staff.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg presented the award.

The National Apprenticeship Awards also saw Ginger Nut Media named in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list.

The list is compiled annually by the National Apprenticeship Service in partnership with City & Guilds.