Milton Keynes companies make the grade in The Sunday Times annual survey of great employers

It came in at number 45 in the by The Sunday Times’ annual survey of great employers, with a Two Star accreditation.

The annual ranking and survey of the best of Britain’s employers is a highly anticipated event in the UK’s business calendar.

“When we started Peach fifteen years ago we set out to open one, really great pub,” said Ben paul, Peach partner,

“Now, to be recognised as one of the best companies to work for in the whole of the UK is a dream come true.

“Although we’ve won many awards from within the hospitality world for looking after our people and giving them inspirational training and development opportunities, getting recognition this time from outside our industry is even more meaningful. It’s tough for a hospitality company where the hours are long and the work is hard to be recognised as a great employer.

“We are really proud to be included in the list and to be highlighted as a great employer,” added Ben. “And now we’ve got this far it has to be our goal to be even higher up the list next year,” he adds.

Milton-Keynes based Bridge Leisure Parks also made the list, claiming the 82nd place.

Bridge Leisure employs 20 people at its Milton Keynes central office. In its review, The Sunday Times praised Bridge Leisure for giving all team members 27 days holiday and encouraging flexible working. The company was also congratulated for its rewards and recognition scheme that sees managers hand out lottery-style scratch cards for outstanding work and customer service, with prizes including paid time off and cash rewards.

Andrew Howe, chief executive of Bridge Leisure said: “As a holiday business our number one aim is to ensure guests have a good time when they stay at our holiday parks. Finding innovative ways of keeping our team happy and motivated is key to this.

“We were delighted to make the top 100 at the first time of entering the awards. Our challenge now is to make sure we stay there.”

The Sunday Times asked more than 270,000 employees for their views about their employers and their working environments, helping to create the final rankings for the prestigious list.

Team members were asked to rate their company’s leadership skills, their wellbeing and opportunities for personal growth, and how they feel about their own manager and colleagues.