Painswick Road-based Target Marketing Communications are one of only 6 in the South West to have achieved accreditation under the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) Continuous Professional Development scheme.

Ken James, chief executive officer, Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) said: "CIPS recognises the IPA's Continuous Professional Development programme as a big step forward in terms of the professionalism of agencies and their staff.

"Client companies invest very significant sums in advertising and marketing communications, and with the impact that this has on the brand assets and valuations, it is essential to know that the agency people responsible for spending this money are properly trained."

The IPA CPD Standard 2008 which Target achieved covers a training and development plan linked to business objectives, induction programme for all new joiners, annual appraisal system and maintenance of individual CPD logs of learning activity.

Target Marketing Communications, founded in September 1977, has built a substantial reputation as a fully integrated marketing communications agency offering advertising, design, media, PR, digital and direct marketing.