Hospitality firms recognised in Sunday Times 25 best big businesses list

Hospitality businesses led the way on the Sunday Times list of the best big companies to work for, with seven of the 25 firms featured.

Bourne Leisure, the umbrella company that encompasses Butlins, Haven Holidays and Warner Leisure, was top of the hospitality heap, being placed fourth in the list, five spots up on the previous year.

Hotel chains were strong contenders. Marriott Hotels International's appreciation of its long-term staff and InterContinental Hotels Group's employee engagement helped them to be listed seventh and 10th respectively (2010: seventh and 19th). Hilton Worldwide, which was recognised for giving its staff "five-star" treatment, was a new entry at 18.

Pub firms also performed well. Orchid Group secured fifth place (2010: 20th) and Punch Taverns was a new entry at 21, in spite of redundancies, a two-year pay freeze and reduction of costs by a third.

Fast-food chain McDonald's debuted on the Top 25 at 22. Commenting on the award, Jez Langhorn, vice-president, people, McDonald's UK, said the company had worked hard over the past five years to build a range of initiatives that would support and motivate its staff in their jobs and careers.

Lexington Catering leads hospitality in Sunday Times Top 100 >>

Orchid takes 5th in 25 best companies to work for >>

By Janie Stamford

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