John Moret, executive chairman of PPML, and Salisbury Playhouse artist in residence Lindsey Keir show the mural, which is now on display in the company's reception area. DA2647P1A MOSAIC tile mural that was created as a partnership between Salisbury Playhouse and Personal Pension Management has been short-listed for an Arts & Business award 2003.

PPML's staff began working with Playhouse artist in residence Lindsey Keir in March to design and make the three panel mural, which represents the waterways of Salisbury.

About a third of the company's 500 staff spent time working on the mural during breaks and lunchtimes.

The finished piece is now displayed in the company's reception area.

The award ceremony will take place on February 18 at a gala concert at the Barbican, in London.

Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts & Business, said: "The short-listed arts and business partnerships are great examples of business and the arts working together for mutual benefit.

"These partnerships show lots of different and innovative ways that business can support the arts, that the arts can inspire business and how the partnership can benefit employees and the wider community."

PPML's project is in the category Marsh & McLennan Companies Arts, Business & Employees' Award.

This category is for "a creative programme, which involves employees of a business in the arts and/or incorporates the arts into the workplace".

PPML says the initiative served to "encourage a greater degree of creativity within the workforce and the confidence to try new things - excellent skills to transfer back into the working environment".

"Bringing the company together in a creative feel-good venture has a very positive impact on team spirit and in enhancing the company's image as an innovative employer that looks after its staff," said the company's Lesley Orton.

"Everyone involved in the project enjoyed it enormously and believes strongly that initiatives like this are wholly relevant within a corporate environment.

"Seeing the finished piece on display in such a prominent location makes us feel immensely proud - not only is it very beautiful, but the sense of achievement in having created it is a hugely positive and lasting benefit for the company as a whole."

Fiona Markey, development manager at Salisbury Playhouse, said: "We are delighted that this initiative has been recognised through the Arts & Business Awards.

"It was great to see the work of the Playhouse being used in a creative way to support PPML's aspirations.

"It was a beneficial experience for both the Playhouse and PPML and we are pleased that the relationship between us has further developed from this project, with PPML sponsoring a season of work in the Salisbury Playhouse's studio space."