Wellington-based cosmetics company Swallowfield has become the latest South-West firm to receive Beacon accreditation, awarded to companies displaying innovation and entrepreneurship.

Swallowfield employs 600 workers and has factories and research bases in Wellington and Bideford.

Clients now include some of the world's most renowned brands and High Street retailers such as PZ Cussons, Avon, M&S and Boots.

Sue Baker, Beacon South West project director, said: “Swallowfield is a unique company - it has shown that it can weather the storms of 134 years of commercial challenges and as it heads into its 14th decade in business it is as fresh and ambitious as ever.

“Beacon will benefit enormously from the company's experience, particularly over the last few years where it has gone through many changes and also trail-blazed internationally.”

Supported by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), Beacon South-West brings together more than 230 of the region's most pioneering and rapidly expanding organisations, providing an environment for exploring new ideas and strategies with other successful companies.