AN Appleton man, who was made redundant in 2014, proved he is 'gold standard' after beating competitors from across the globe to secure a top award for his company.

Neil Lewis, 37, won the 'Gold Award' for start-up learning provider of the year at the Learning Awards in London on February 2.

The event – run by the Learning and Performance Institute – recognises 'outstanding contributions' to the industry of learning in the workplace.

More than 400 global entries were whittled down to 80 finalists, with bronze, silver and gold winners announced on the night at the gala dinner hosted by Claudia Winkleman.

Neil's company, IntraQuest Training, beat off competition from five other global learning organisations to take first place.

The small business offers specialist training and counselling services all over the north west, with its main clients being in public services and local authorities.

Founded by Karen Keates and Jennifer Westwood in 2014, Neil joined as co-director just over two years ago, bringing with him 15 years of commercial learning and development experience.

He said: "After being made redundant from the private sector in August 2014, I really wanted a change of direction.

"While volunteering for a charity I was introduced to Karen and Jen, whose powerful personal story was already making waves in the public sector.

"I was so inspired by their training that when they invited me to join them as co-director and partner, I jumped at the chance."

Jen added: "It means so much to us. We are a small business, working to make a difference in public services and in the community.

"Money is tight and the pockets of our clients are shallow, so we don't have much of a marketing budget.

"This recognition will hopefully help us to grow our business and raise our profile."

Neil, along with his family, also runs Warrington-based charity The Adam Lewis Effect.

It was set up in memory of his younger brother, Adam, who suddenly died from an undiagnosed heart condition in 2014, aged 24.

The charity – known as #TALE – offers fully-funded heart screening to young people aged 14 to 35 in the region, as well as raising awareness for sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.