A Herefordshire company specialising in cross compliance and farm safety has won a national award, recognising excellence among dairy industry employers.

CXCS, based at Lyonshall near Kington, won the supply trade employer of the year category in the British Dairying 2020 Cream Awards.

The firm of advisers who help farmers with paperwork and legislation compliance wowed judges with its progressive and responsible approach to staff recruitment, retention and motivation.

“In an age when young people are all-too-often forced, or choose, to leave the countryside for employment in towns and cities, we offer rewarding, professional jobs and a modern workplace culture in a beautiful rural location,” said managing director Karen Powell.

The firm, which employs more than 20 people, is seen by some as an employer of choice which pays above-average salaries.

“We make sure we employ the best people then work hard to keep them energised and inspired,” Karen added.

“The team is given opportunities to develop or change their roles, allowing them to grow as individuals and so their talents can be deployed to best advantage.”

“It’s particularly gratifying to be recognised in the Cream Awards at the same time as we’re launching our own HR service, offering farmers support with everything from writing contracts and setting wages to running recruitment campaigns and launching training programmes.

“Many farmers are already great people-managers, but our new service will help take them to the next level, creating even more efficient, profitable and enjoyable workplaces.”

The ‘Supply Trade Employer of the Year’ award, sponsored by De Lacy Executive, was collected at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire, by Charles Mayson, who founded CXCS in 2009.

“I’m so proud that what started just over a decade ago with an idea and a notebook is now a firm with a phenomenally talented, hard-working team and 1,500 clients across the country,” Charles said.

“Our focus on staff is good for the company, but also good for clients who get to deal with people who are passionate about what they do and who will always go the extra mile,” he added.