A family-run company has received benchmark recognition awarded to only one per cent of businesses in the country.

A family-run company has received benchmark recognition awarded to only one per cent of businesses in the country.

Pearsons, a Thetford-based recycling and waste management company, was recognised with the Occupational Health and Safety Standard, which means it has reached certain criteria.

This includes controlling safety risks, complying with legal obligations, reducing the potential for accidents, and improving overall performance.

The company has also achieved in excess of 85pc diversion of waste from land fill which, with this award, puts it at the leading edge of waste management in this country.

Managing director, Jo Pearson, said: “We have always been proud of the service and value we provide to our customers and the way we conduct our business, including our commitment to health and safety.

“I'm very pleased with the effort that has been put into achieving this award by our health and safety manager and the whole team. It's fantastic to receive this recognition.”

The company has been run by the Pearson family for more than 60 years and was originally established as waste paper merchants.

It now boasts a team of 110 staff, a fleet of more than 35 materials collection vehicles, and serves more than 4,500 skips, containers and wheeled bins in the east.

The company is also consulted on a range of green subjects and has a turnover of �8m.