Newly merged South Essex College of Further and Higher Education College has been awarded the Training Quality Standard (TQS) award, the highest accolade recognising work with employers. The college, created through the merger of Thurrock and Basildon College with South East Essex College, is, jointly with the Colchester Institute, the first college in Essex to achieve the award. Carol Anson-Higgs, vice-principal business development, said: “TQS is a beacon of the quality service we provide and further enhances our reputation as a leading provider of training for business.”