A Birmingham engineering firm, recently visited by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is looking to prove its world-class standards by taking part in the rigorous Investors in Excellence programme.

Brandauer, which produces complex components for a wide range of manufacturers, is a fifth generation family company serving an international customer base.

The firm, which has 72 employees, now has its sights set on achieving even greater levels of performance through the IiE programme run by Midlands Excellence.

Managing director David Spears said: "We have always been focused on quality and the broad scope of IiE provides a great opportunity to really drive excellence in all aspects of the business."

The programme, which runs throughout the UK, will see Brandauer work towards achieving a standard of all-round performance in areas ranging from leadership to the way the company manages its people and meets its customers’ needs.

Alistair Darling toured the firm and its production facilities during a visit to Birmingham in January to highlight the Government's skills strategy.