More companies are choosing to recognise staff achievements through award schemes according to bespoke trophy manufacturer, Special EFX.

Melanie Osborne, sales director at EFX, said the company had experienced record sales in the first half of 2011, with growth of more than 25 per cent year on year. “Commissions for specially designed awards and trophies for presentation at corporate conferences and events are certainly up this year - everything from full colour printed wall plaques and engraved polished metal awards to contemporary designs in art glass,” she said.

Osborne believes the upturn is a reflection of how organisations are increasingly investing in recognising the efforts and successes of their staff and customers, in order to maintain morale and motivation, whilst trading conditions are so difficult.

Recent commissions from big corporates include Nikken, ISS (one of the world’s largest facility service providers), The National Association of Muslim Police and cruise giant Carnival Group.