A GARDEN centre in Brent Knoll has won a prestigious employer of the year award at a Disability Confident event.

 Sanders; Wyevale Garden Centre in Brent Knoll were delighted to win the title at the event at the Canalside in Bridgwater.

Hosted by local Social Enterprise, Pluss, Disability Confident is a national campaign, launched by David Cameron last year, which encourages employers to be positive about the skills that disabled people bring to business.

Pluss is a national partner in the campaign and is working closely with the Minister for Disabled People to bring the campaign to local areas.

Claire Dawson, restaurant manager from Sanders, was presented with the trophy and a bottle of champagne by Pulse FM Radio.

They were selected from over 500 employers because of the pro-active way they have employed disabled people.

The event was also supported by Ian Liddell – Grainger MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset.

Over 50 Somerset businesses attended the event with Dale Edwards, CEO of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, as guest speaker.

Claire Dawson said: “It is great to win this award. Through Pluss, I have employed three of the most fabulous employees.

"The most important thing for me is that they really want the job. All my members of staff are treated as individuals and some may need a little more consideration and care, but as a result they are some of my very best members of staff.”

Also awarded with the Pluss ‘Achiever of the Year’ was Richard Gibson, from Bridgwater.

Richard became unwell after losing his parents and family business.

Isolated and lonely, he began to suffer from depression and anxiety, and was out of work for seven years.

Referred to Pluss in 2013, Richard was eventually offered permanent work at Asda in Highbridge in 2015.

He is now happy, smiling and positive.

Richard said: “I am pleased to win the award. If I can inspire just one other person to find work then that would be great.”

Amanda Denslow, Richard’s manager, added: “Richard has excellent customer service skills and is a real team player.

"Customers actually seek us out to compliment him on his excellent customer service. He is a true asset to the company, gives 110% and we are thrilled to have him.”

Pluss is a Social Enterprise that supports disabled people into work.

They work with more than 500 employers across Somerset, helping them to recruit and retain staff with a disability.

Businesses looking for free disability recruitment support can find out more at www.pluss.org.uk, www.facebook.com/plussinspires or on twitter @PlussInspires