A Northamptonshire-based asbestos consultancy, which has recruited and developed a new generation of industry professionals, has been named a finalist in the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards.

Acorn Analytical Services has been shortlisted for Employer of the Year after demonstrating how its investment in training, career development, employee wellbeing and recognition awards has helped create an engaged and growing workforce.

The company’s Southern operation, founded in Northampton by directors Ian Stone and Neil Munro in 2013, now employs 94 people and has continued to expand significantly during 2026. Since January, Acorn has welcomed 17 new recruits across technical, operational, commercial and administrative roles, including 12 trainees and apprentices beginning careers in asbestos management.

Director Ian Stone said: “Being shortlisted for Employer of the Year means a huge amount to us because our people genuinely are at the heart of everything we do.

“We have always believed that if you find people with the right attitude, give them an opportunity and then properly invest in their training and development, they can achieve incredible things.”

Acorn puts employees through recognised industry qualifications including P402, P403 and P404 and has also developed its own Asbestologist Training Academy, which provides structured development programmes combining practical experience with competencies signed off by experienced trainers.

The business also actively promotes from within. During 2026, five employees progressed into significant management or leadership positions, including Sian Stone and Viviana Pista, who became the first female directors in Acorn’s history. Long-serving employee David Kelsey was promoted to Senior Contracts Manager, while Charlie Dalby and Ellis Bastable have both progressed from junior technical roles to Contracts Managers.

Ian added: “We don’t want people simply to come to Acorn to do a job. We want them to be able to see where that job could take them. That means asking people what they want to achieve, helping them gain qualifications, giving them opportunities to progress and making sure they feel supported and valued along the way.

“To be recognised as a finalist is something the whole team should be proud of because the culture we have at Acorn has been created by all of them.”

Acorn Analytical Services is a UKAS-accredited asbestos consultancy providing asbestos surveying, testing, air monitoring, project management and training services to clients across the UK. For more information, visit http://www.acorn-as.com.