The local radio station joined businesses from across the UK to attend a special ceremony at St James’ Palace for the annual Princess Royal Training Awards. The awards are the vision of Princess Anne and are managed by City & Guilds.

Launched in 2016, they recognise a company that has reached an exemplary standard of training across its strategic purpose, effective delivery and impact on both individuals, as well as the business.

Somer Valley’s Station Manager, Dom Chambers, accepted the award from the Princess. “This was a very proud moment for the radio station that has such a strong tradition of offering quality training ever since we started out as a classroom project at Somervale School, twelve years ago,” he said.

“It was amazing to have the opportunity to explain to her Royal Highness that our training helps meet significant social challenges around isolation and skills shortage. The Princess replied: “And the good thing is, you can tell everyone about it.”

A spokesperson for the awards said: “This community radio station provides opportunities for volunteers to improve their confidence and independence, whilst developing broadcast and media skills in order to be on air, 24/7. The organisation is wholly inclusive, welcoming people from all age groups, genders and disabilities, and supporting disadvantaged people who may otherwise be marginalised.”

The awards are open to all UK businesses of any size. 48 businesses were honoured with the award this year, and Somer Valley FM was named on the list between the Royal Airforce and Specsavers.

The Chief Executive of the City & Guilds Group is Chris Jones, who said: “It’s a wonderful occasion to come together and celebrate the success of this year’s Princess Royal Training Awards recipients, and to champion these businesses as leading examples of best practice training and development. We have heard some remarkable stories that truly attest to the power of training to change lives and transform businesses.”

During the reception, held after the ceremony, Chris Jones asked to meet Somer Valley FM. He told Dom Chambers that City & Guilds were awarding Somer Valley FM a Special Commendation, in addition to the formal award, that marks the radio station’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. The commendation came with a cash donation of £2,500.

Also attending the awards were longstanding supporters of the radio station, Pete Helmore and Maxine Stride. Both were Somervale students when the station first launched. Pete, who was appointed a Director at the radio station earlier in the year, said: “Going to the palace to collect our award is an amazing way to mark ten years of hard work from hundreds of volunteers. To get the special commendation as well is truly awesome.”

Maxine Stride, who now works for Accenture Marketing and Communications, said: “It was brilliant to attend this and meet other businesses who have a strong training ethos. I love supporting Somer Valley FM, as it gave me such a good start. It was invaluable, aged seventeen to be gaining skills and experience that are now the backbone of my career.”

Leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Tim Warren said: “This is an amazing achievement. Bravo to Somer Valley FM for leading the way in B&NES with this recognition.”