Recruitment group Reed named in ëBest 100 Companies to Work Forí

Recruitment group Reed has been named as one of the 100 best companies to work for in the UK by the Sunday Times. (Sunday, 2 March 2003).

For the first time in the history of the list, a recruitment company has made it into the top 100. Reed, ranked number 75, is the sole recruitment organisation in this yearís list, placed higher than blue chip organisations from other industries such as Marks and Spencer and UPS Warburg.

The award marks a milestone in the onward growth of the company. Founded in 1960 by entrepreneur Alec Reed, who started the business in Hounslow with just 75, it has since grown to 250 branches across the UK and Ireland, with annual sales of over 400 million, offering HR and training services as well as recruitment consultancy.

Reasons for inclusion in the list include the wide range of training and support Reed offers its ëCo-Membersí. In an anonymous survey of Reed Co-Members by the Sunday Times, 70% feel their managers support their training, a finding backed by the 2,800 per head the company allocates for training and development.

Over two-thirds of Reed employees ñ 69 per cent - are happy with their company benefits, which include flexible holidays and discounts to gym membership, retail outlets and restaurants.

John Bryson, quality manager at Reed Learning, one of the operating companies in the group, comments: ìFor people who are not afraid to take a challenge, Reed is the perfect employer. Everyone can do something special given the opportunity and Reed is good at recognising that and providing it.î

James Reed, Chief Executive of Reed, says: ìWe are very proud to be one of the 100 best companies to work for in the country, and it marks a great achievement for all our Co-Members. We aim to continuously build on this accomplishment and hope to move further up the list next year.î