A COMPANY that prides itself on providing opportunities for young people in Cirencester has been celebrated by the town's Chamber of Commerce.

Wealth management firm St James's Place scooped the special Chamber of Commerce Award at this year's annual Cirencester Business Awards ceremony.

SJP representative Charles Woodd was at the ceremony in May to pick up the accolade from Chamber president Anthony Flynn.

"We were delighted to be recognised in this way by the Chamber of Commerce, especially as it reflects our involvement with our local community," said Charles. "We are grateful for the support the town has given and continues to give us, and are pleased to be able to give something back."

Unlike the other categories in the Cirencester Business Awards, the Chamber of Commerce Award does not allow entries. Judges set out to find one company in the area that has made a significant contribution to the town in some way.

The committee chose the ever-expanding Tetbury Road firm for its contributions to youth employment in Cirencester, as well as excellent charitable work.

St James's Place started in Cirencester 20 years ago and has always worked closely with Cirencester College in recruiting apprentices.

"We recruited five apprentices into different areas of the business in our first year and 14 in 2013," said Charles. "They have all successfully completed their apprenticeships and have been offered permanent jobs in the business."

The company has taken in 11 new apprentices for 2014, who all started in September. They will complete their apprenticeships in business administration, marketing, IT and accountancy in August next year.

Charles added: "This collaboration of work has allowed St. James’s Place to engage with and give back to young people within our local community whilst providing us with a pipeline of emerging talent for our future."