Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, contract caterer Holroyd Howe and Hayley Conference Centres were the only catering and hospitality firms to feature in this year's Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For listing.

The annual survey rates companies based on employees' evaluations of their workplaces.

Topping the table for hospitality was Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, which moved from 43rd to 41st position.

The North Yorkshire baker, tea and coffee supplier with six tea rooms also jointly took the top title at Caterer's Best Places to Work in Hospitality Awards last month.

Independent caterer Holroyd Howe shot up 29 places, from 94 in 2005 to 65 this year, while Hayley Conference Centres made its debut appearance as the 70th best company to work for.

Hotel booking agency Hotelconnect came 93rd in the top 100 small companies list.

Drop-outs from last year's main list included Nando's, which took 33rd position in 2005, Ragdale Hall Health Hydro, previously ranked 100th, and Botanic Inns, formerly at 68.

Catering giant Compass also disappeared off the annual list's top 20 big companies to work for.

Bettys & Taylors' 1,042 staff rated the company for its camaraderie, fun, low stress levels and flexible working policies.

Holroyd Howe's 820 staff reported they were pleased with their leaders' faith in them. More than 70% believed they could make a valuable contribution to the firm, were proud to work there and felt fully involved.

"The award endorses our commitment to the development of our people, and gives us a platform to continue to attract the 'best of the best' into our organisation," said co-founders Rick Holroyd and Nick Howe.

Food and drink suppliers

2006 main list
Bacardi-Martini (15)
Dropping off this year's list: Majestic Wine and Whittard of Chelsea

2006 small companies list

Innocent Drinks (16), Cobra Beer (35), Danone (76), General Mills (84), Bibendum Wine (89)
Dropping off this year's list: Eightacre, Hart Worldwide, Authentic Food Company, and Ringwood Brewery

By Angela Frewin

 

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