A regional press business editor has been recognised in a national awards scheme for his writing on human resources issues.

Paul Hill, of the Norwich-based Eastern Daily Press, picked up the regional journalism category at the annual Excellence in HR Journalism Awards run by professional services company Towers Watson.

Greg Wright, deputy business editor with the Yorkshire Post, was runner-up in the category in what was a direct reversal of last year’s results.

Paul won the prize for his coverage of how major employers in the East Anglia region are altering their pension schemes and how businesses will be affected by changing equalities legislation.

Stefan Stern, from the Financial Times, won the national press category while his FT colleague Michael Skapinker was runner-up.

The awards, now in their fifth year, attracted 138 entries from over 88 journalists working across the national, regional and HR trade press as well as entries from 16 different titles for the HR Publication of the Year award.

Chantal Free, UK head of talent and reward at Towers Watson, said: “Last year showed some dramatic changes, pushing business firmly to the front of newspapers and magazines.

“These awards continue to seek out, recognise and reward excellence amongst HR journalists in the national, regional and trade press.

“The submissions show that in these times HR management issues are both important and high on the corporate agenda.”