"SAFETY first" are the watchwords of Stubbins-based Strategic Team Group (STG).

The company, one of the UKs fastest growing suppliers of building and property solutions, has added to its already impressive list of health and safety credentials by being awarded accreditation from SAFEcontractor.

SAFEcontractor is operated by international safety, health and environmental risk management specialist, the National Britannia Group. The system is applicable to most sectors although it is particularly relevant to the property, food manufacture, facilities management, retail and leisure sectors - all of which are big users of contract services.

STG, located at the Cuba Industrial Estate in Bolton Road North, already holds Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) approval. The firm is also committed to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme which aims to register every competent construction operative within the UK not currently on a skills registration scheme.

Charles Tweed, business development director, of STG, said: "We are delighted to have become a SAFEcontractor. This accreditation is well recognised within our industry and will help express how seriously we take Health and Safety at STG.

" Within the next 18 months, we are aiming to get our health and safety and environmental systems approved to IS14001."