London Network for Pest Solutions is celebrating after winning the inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Award at the national pest control industry awards.

LNPS beat pest control businesses from across the UK to win the award for its efforts to embrace diversity both in terms of its customers and workforce.

The judges looked for a company that has created an inclusive workplace in which all employees of all backgrounds and beliefs are valued with special measures adopted to promote diversity across gender, race, age and to include those with disabilities.

LNPS is based in the London Borough of Newham with the majority of customers being local and from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. More than 102 languages are spoken which used to present communication challenges for LNPS staff. However, the company now has a partnership with The Language Shop which gives quick access to translation services.

When LNPS was set up, the directors made sure they selected the right staff the customer base and tried to reflect the customers they served.

The company’s business model of remote working with no need for staff to come into an office has helped attract excellent staff from different backgrounds – particularly women with children, whose circumstances mean home working suits their needs. It also means LNPS is well placed to employ people with physical disabilities as the business continues to grow.

LNPS Managing Director Paul Cooper said: “This award means so much to me personally and to the team. It reflects and recognises how important everyone in LNPS is and how important our diverse community is to us. To be the first company to win this award makes it even more special.

“More than 50% of our staff live locally which is very important as this connection means that staff, who are already proud of the work they do, carry that pride into the pride of their Borough and reflect the cultural make up of the area that we service.”

London Network for Pest Solutions (LNPS) is a multi, award-winning pest control company wholly owned by the London Borough of Newham. The team prides itself on delivering affordable, quality pest control to all its customers.