FAST-GROWING software specialist Formfill has been awarded the international management quality standard ISO9001.

The Blackburn-based company has come a long way since it was launched in 1997 by partners Peter Kennedy and Martin Evans.

From its base at Phoenix Park, Formfill has developed world-beating business-to-business software solutions which have attracted clients throughout the world.

Its technology allows companies and organisations to replace expensive paper-based processes with digital technology.

After opening its first overseas office in Australia earlier this year, the company is now hoping its award of ISO9001 will help provide the platform for continued growth.

Said Peter Kennedy: "Our aim was to have good quality systems in place to provide strong foundations on which to build and sustain the growth of the company.

"It is vitally important that we, as a company, utilise the intellectual capacity of the workforce and ensure that our staff are continually assessed and trained in order that they meet our resource needs."

Formfill works in a broad range of markets including local authorities, government agencies, utilities, manufacturing companies financial services and the retail sector. Firms told to 'go for gold' COMPANIES in East Lancashire have been urged to "go for gold" in the Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2002.

With the deadline for applications just over a week away, DTI Minister Alan Johnson said businesses should not miss out on the chance to to win the most prestigious of accolades.

The Queen's Award for Enterprise recognise remarkable achievement in international trade, innovation or sustainable development. Already, almost 50 East Lancashire companies have applied for an application pack.

Said Mr Johnson: "These awards are an extremely valuable marketing and business tool for companies from just two employees to multi-nationals.

"Winning an award gives both employers and employees a tremendous boost and a sense of pride that all their hard work has been rewarded."

The closing date for entries is October 31 and winners in each of the three categories will be announced on April 21 2001.

The Awards website - www.queensawards.org.uk - has full details of how to apply. Home for elderly's first BURNLEY-BASED Ashmeade Residential Home for the Elderly has become the first organisation to receive the Investors in People award from Business Link North and Western Lancashire.

Former district nurse Kathleen Rhodes, who took over the business in 1989, collected the award from Gwyneth Tuck, workforce development manager.

"When we first embarked on Investors in People, we realised that we were already doing at least 50 per cent of the work, but getting no recognition for it," said Kathleen.

"Many of our staff work part-time and it has been a great way of acknowledging the professionalism of their work. Before Investors in People, some staff had done no formal learning since leaving school. Now they are hooked." A rewarding evening with Des AN audience with Des O'Connor turned out to be a rewarding one for Stewart Longton Caravans of Chorley when they won a top national prize.

The company won the Bessacarr Caravans Gold Award for the second year running at its annual prize ceremony. Peter Smith, chairman of the Swift Group which includes Bessacarr, said: "Our congratulations go to the whole team at Longtons for the magnificent performance which reflects their position as one of the country's leading dealerships.

"Gary Hall and the team at Chorley have really got their teeth into selling what have turned out to be the best Bessacarr models for a decade and have put the brand well and truly on the map in their area."