THE partnership between Salisbury company Personal Pension Management Ltd and Salisbury Playhouse rose to new heights last month with the presentation of an Arts & Business National Award.

Known as the UK's most prestigious awards in their field, they reward excellence in partnerships between business and the arts. They were presented at a concert at the Barbican in London.

The partnership between pensions administrators PPML and the Playhouse won the MMC (Marsh & McLennan Companies) Arts, Business & Employees Award.

Since sponsoring the annual pantomime in 2002, PPML's partnership with Salisbury Playhouse developed into "Gallery to Go" - a project which included an artist in residence, Lindsay Keir, and the creation of a mural mosaic by PPML employees.

The mosaic, which depicts swans and the waterways of Salisbury and which involved 150 employees including executive chairman John Moret, now hangs in the company's reception area.

Mr Moret said: "We are delighted to receive national recognition for a local initiative involving a really talented artist.

"The partnership was built around a simple concept that involved 150 of our staff and has been fantastic for participation.

"To have won such a prestigious award is a tremendous coup for the company.

"Ultimately, this award is recognition for the wide ranging talent and tremendous enthusiasm that exists at PPML.

"We have always believed in working with the local community and have been delighted with the results, especially seeing our name in lights alongside companies including Barclays, RBS, Unilever, Shell and Orange."

Simon Richards, chairman of the board at Salisbury Playhouse, said: "A lot of hard work between two Salisbury organisations has been recognised and I think the awards demonstrate the mutual importance of what can be achieved when the arts and business work together."

Mr Moret and Mr Richards received the award from actress Joanna Lumley, in front of a 2,000-strong audience.

Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts & Business, said: "It is wonderful to see such inspirational and innovative partnerships recognised and rewarded for the good work they are doing.

"When businesses and the arts work together they can make a significant and enriching impact on the lives of employees, children and the local community and the partnerships honoured are shining examples of this."

o PPML is part of Winterthur, part of Credit Suisse Group.