THE accountancy teaching team at Birmingham Metropolitan College have been celebrating after winning an industry-recognised award for their work.

PQ Magazine named Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMET) the Public Sector College of the Year, while lecturer Fiona Williams was a finalist for the Public Sector Lecturer of the Year award.

The two award nominations had been submitted by some of the college’s students. Daniel Choon, group representative for the AAT level 3 Diploma in Accounting, said: “We all thought our teachers deserved to win. They always support and encourage us, making sure we are fully prepared for any coursework and exams we have to do.”

The BMET team of 16 teaching staff deliver AAT Accounting qualifications to 16 to 18-year-olds and adult learners across the college’s Sutton Coldfield Campus, Stourbridge Campus and Birmingham city-centre based Matthew Boulton Campus.

The PQ Award also recognised the success of the college’s full-time course provision for 16 to 18-year-olds and the working relationship of the staff team, who share teaching resources between them.

"I am so happy the team received this award,” said Mark Hempinstall, associate director for accounting. “The award is testament to the hard work of the team and their willingness to meet the needs of our students.

“We are committed to making sure our learners leave us with the right skills and qualifications to succeed in the accounting profession.

“The team and I would like to thank the students that took the time to nominate us - it means so much. They also deserve our thanks for supporting us and for continuing to work hard. Without their commitment, our efforts would count for nothing."

The PQ Awards were presented during an award ceremony in London. The awards were chaired by PQ magazine editor, Graham Hambly and judged by Professor Prem Sikka, University of Essex, Nicky Burke, head of PR at the AAT, Peter Stewart, director of learning at CIMA and Kath Haines, chief executive of the Chartered Accountants' Benevolent Association.

PQ Magazine is a monthly publication providing industry-related news, information and careers advice to part-qualified and newly-qualified accountants.