The CIPD has announced SME Pindar Set as the winner of this year's People Management Award.

The company, which produces the Yellow Pages directories, beat a number of better-known and bigger organisations to clinch the prize because of its successful handling of staffing issues related to a new shorter contract with Yellow Pages. Teamworking and multi-tasking were identified as key issues to be addressed, and during 1997 and 1998, they trained all non-skilled staff in skilled roles. The company also introduced a team leader development programme in recognition of the expected future doubling of the workforce and a move towards creating individual business units.

Shortlisted companies for the award included First Quench, the company formed from the merger of the Thesher and Victoria Wine off-licence chains, who put in place a culture change programme for 15,000 staff. Other shortlisted companies included Portsmouth City Council for its work on Best Value, the Forte Group for its Ccommitment to Excellence' programme and the Millennium Dome for its customer service training.