The Greater Devon Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) was proud to be part of a special evening this year, as businesses from across the region gathered to celebrate the very best of Devon enterprise at the annual Devon Business Awards.
Hosted by Devon Chamber of Commerce, it was a night of well-deserved recognition – and for the LSIP team, one moment stood out above the rest.
The Greater Devon LSIP was delighted to sponsor the People First Award – an accolade that sits at the very heart of what the LSIP is working to achieve across the region. The award recognises businesses that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to employee wellbeing, development, and workplace culture; the kind of values that don’t just make great organisations, but help build a stronger, more resilient Devon economy.
This year’s winner was Simpkins Edwards LLP, and it’s easy to see why.
Simpkins Edwards LLP is a well-respected professional services firm operating across Devon, and their win reflects a genuine, sustained commitment to the people within their organisation. From investing in staff development and creating clear career pathways, to fostering a workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported, Simpkins Edwards LLP exemplifies what it means to put people first.
On receiving the award, the team from Simpkins Edwards LLP acknowledged that their approach to people isn’t simply good HR practice – it’s a core part of their business strategy. That mindset is one the LSIP wholeheartedly champions.
Why This Award Matters to the LSIP
Skills development and a people-focused culture are fundamental to the long-term health of Devon’s economy.
The Greater Devon LSIP exists to strengthen the connection between education, training, and the needs of local employers. A key part of that mission is encouraging businesses of all sizes to invest in their workforce – not simply to fill skills gaps in the short term, but to build the kind of organisations that attract talent, retain it, and help it thrive.
When businesses like Simpkins Edwards LLP lead by example, it sends a powerful message to employers across the region: investing in your people is one of the most effective things you can do for your business, your team, and for Devon as a whole.
A Night to Remember
Beyond the award itself, the Devon Business Awards provided a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the breadth and quality of enterprise across our region. From sole traders to established firms, the finalists and winners on the night represented the very best of what Devon’s business community has to offer.
The LSIP was thrilled to be part of the evening, and we extend our warmest congratulations to Simpkins Edwards LLP and to all the winners and finalists recognised on the night.
To find out more about all the amazing winners and finalists, visit devonchamber.co.uk/chamber-awards
