STAFF at York cycle retailer Cycle Heaven Ltd are over the moon.

They are celebrating the fact that their shop in Bishopthorpe Road has become what they believe is the first company in the UK cycle industry to achieve the prestigious Investors In People standard, which recognises efforts in training and staff development.

Assessors commended the "vibrant" nature of the 11-person team, praising it for its "openness, transparency and passion for cycling" and commenting that the shop's systems and practices "would be a credit to a large company."

Managing director Andy Shrimpton, who started Cycle Heaven 11 years ago, recently extended the technical courses offered to his staff with various teamwork courses through Business Link York and North Yorkshire.

Mr Shrimpton, who is taking an MBA degree at the University of Leeds Business School, said: "Everything in our business is about the quality of relationships that you develop - with your customers, your suppliers and your community, but it must start at home with your staff. They are the company, they are what make us Cycle Heaven."

Updated: 11:58 Tuesday, August 03, 2004