Ashfield District Council’s Planning Development Team won the RTPI East Midlands Highly Commended Award for Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy.

Recognising projects that promote and support a successful prosperous economy the award was won for the team’s partnership work with local company ROMO Ltd, which is based on the boundary of Kirkby and Sutton.

An internationally-renowned company offering luxury interior textiles, wallcoverings and accessories to a worldwide network of designers and retailers, ROMO worked in partnership with the Council.

Through effective communication with the Development Management Team the Council supported ROMO’s decision to consolidate their operations in the district, offering the opportunity to create an efficient, high quality building, which sets a new standard for enterprising businesses in Ashfield.

Through the consolidation of their operation bringing four sites into one location, greater business efficiency will be achieved by removing the current need to transport fabrics and other products between each of their sites.

Felicity Mould, Creative Marketing Director at ROMO, said: “The project has allowed the retention of over 250 jobs within the local community.

“The new building will allow us to develop and grow, capitalising on our Queen’s Award for Enterprise. An important driver within the design was consideration of the health and wellbeing of the workforce which has resulted in an attractive working environment within a complementary landscape setting.

Coun Matthew Relf, Cabinet Member for Place, Planning and Regeneration, added: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the Councils Planning Development Team and Romo to have won this award and highlights the way we effectively work with other organisations.

“The new ROMO building is a fantastic addition to Kirkby, and just one of many investments taking place in the District. I would like to congratulate all involved.”