Sort Group has been named a finalist in two categories at the Investors in People (IIP) Awards 2025, recognising both the leadership of its managing director and the company’s commitment to staff development.

The Derby-based property, legal and financial services provider is in contention for the Leader of the Year award, acknowledging the contribution of managing director Keith Ahmed, and for the Learning and Development category (for organisations with up to 499 employees).

Ahmed (pictured), who joined the business in 2018, has been credited with spearheading a series of initiatives that have reshaped the group in recent years. Judges highlighted his progression through the business and described his leadership style as “empathetic and engaging”, noting that it had been widely valued by staff.

The group’s shortlisting for the Learning and Development award reflects its efforts to attract and train new talent in a sector that has faced recruitment difficulties since the pandemic. Judges described the company’s approach as “a very proactive” example of embedding long-term career opportunities into its operations.

The recognition comes just months after Sort Group secured Investors in People Gold accreditation, placing it among the top 17% of accredited organisations in the UK. The gold award marked the company out for its strength in leadership, employee development and workplace culture.

The winners of the IIP Awards will be announced at a ceremony at Old Billingsgate, London, on 12 November.

Ahmed said: “To be named a finalist in two categories for the IIP Awards, so soon after achieving our IIP Gold accreditation is a tremendous honour. This recognition is a real testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team.

“At Sort Group, we are dedicated to fostering a culture that puts growth, empathy, and learning at the heart of everything we do – and it’s fantastic to see those values recognised on a national stage.”