Staff at Stevenston-based company Access Plus spend most of their days helping other people go up in the world.

Now the firm is hoping for a lift of its own – a top award at the annual International Powered Access Awards in London.

Formed in 1999 by managing director George Marriott, the business has grown to become Scotland’s leading independent operator in powered access platform hire - specialising in scissor lifts and cherry pickers.

They have been confirmed as finalists for two awards at the Access International and IPAF awards on March 25: Access Industry Training Award and Powered Access Rental Company of the year award.

The company, which now employs 27 people, has received considerable support over the years from North Ayrshire Economic Development Services in the form of advice, mentoring and grants to develop the business.

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Colin Naismith, North Ayrshire Council Business Advisor, said: "We helped supply funding and advice to Access Plus for website development, financial and operating software development, as well as training grants to help with software, sales and marketing, management development and instructor training projects.

"We are delighted to see a company we have worked so closely with make their mark at this level. We wish them good luck for the awards on the big night."

In May 2009 Access Plus, which also has depots in Glasgow and Aberdeen, became the first independent Scottish rental company to receive the prestigious IPAF Rental Plus award.

Access Plus MD George Marriott said: "The only way we can realise our commitment to deliver exceptional levels of customer service is to employ the very best people and provide them with the best training, equipment and tools available on the market.

"Each employee has a personal training development programme, both for their own personal development and to show our commitment to them.

"The result of our extensive training plan ensures that we can be the experts in our field and pass on our knowledge to our customers, all of whom are offered a free hand-over with every hire.

"We are delighted that our commitment to training has been recognised with our nomination for an IPAF award."

(GK/BMcC)