A REPORT has revealed the local businesses which are among the best in the country to work for.

The developer Churchill Retirement Living not only topped the local league table but was second among mid-sized companies in the entire UK.

The Top 100 Best companies to Work For, compiled for the Sunday Times, is based on anonymous company-wide staff surveys and the findings of an independent panel.

Churchill Retirement Living, based in Ringwood and employing 364 people, also collected a special Wellbeing Award for its approach to looking after staff. Its initiatives include free health checks, giving staff their birthdays off, and a confidential support line.

Its chairman and chief executive, Spencer McCarthy, said: “To be named the second best company in the country to work for is a fantastic accolade and something every single member of the team can be proud of. I’ve always believed in the importance of looking after my team and treating them well, so it was great to have that recognised with a special award for wellbeing.”

Mploy Staffing Solutions in Poole, which has 59 staff, was number 30 in the list of small businesses.

Finance director Mark Nash said: “Dedicated and hard-working staff are the key to the success of any company. At Mploy, we’ve recognised this from the very beginning and will continue to put the wellbeing of our staff above everything else.”

Wellbeing initiatives at the company include enhanced maternity packages, free and confidential stress management advice from Stress Right, time off for volunteering and a range of social activities. It also has a mentoring programme for future leaders.

Mr Nash added: “We know that keeping our staff healthy, productive and, above all, happy, is – and will continue to be – crucial to our success as a rapidly growing, industry recognised business.”

Bournemouth financial tech firm DJS (UK) Ltd, with 72 staff, was 73rd among the nation’s small businesses.

Chief executive Dan Ware said: “We know how important it is to reward employees for a job well done and our bonus structure is based on providing the correct outcome for the customer, not necessarily how much money they bring in to the company.

“Last year our company grew more than 60 per cent, we moved to a new, office in central Bournemouth with an extra 7,000 square feet of space and grew our workforce by 44 per cent.

“It’s so important to celebrate companies that are working hard to make a difference, inspire their staff, and strive to be the best in their industry.”

Among the big companies that employ people locally were Marriott Hotels in sixth place; Iceland Foods at number eight; David Lloyd Clubs at 10; Halfords at 15; TheWorks.co.uk at 18; River Island at 21; and DFS at 22. The Entertainer was number 49 in the mid-size list.

Among non-profits, Poole children’s hospice Julia’s House, with 216 staff, was the 36th best to work for.