A GROUP of 20 company directors and top executives from across the UK travelled to East Lancashire to share ideas on how to inspire their staff.

Corporate uniform manufacturers Simon Jersey, of Altham, hosted the visit as part of the best practice Inside UK Enterprise scheme.

The firm joined the DTI-funded scheme this year and has already won its highly coveted Best New Host award.

Simon Jersey president Simon Moyle told the visitors the firm's aim to be the best in the industry had seen it grown from a small shop to a 300-strong workforce.

The visitors toured the headquarters and met sales and shopfloor staff.

"Good communication is essential," Mr Moyle told the delegates. "We ensure everyone is clear on how our business is doing against objectives.

"After the directors and managers monthly meetings information is cascaded throughout the business within a matter of hours."

A wide range of companies were represented at the event, from a day nursery to an electronics plant.