The independent family-run company has 450 employees across 74 sites, and celebrates its 30-year anniversary this year.
Kate Bendall, joint managing director at Connect Catering said; “It’s absolutely amazing! To be recognised as the best company by the Sunday Times is incredible and just shows all our staff are with us on this exciting journey to be the best we can be.
“We are always searching for innovative ways to improve and this is brilliant feedback, confirming that everything we have put in place is working and being appreciated by our valued team. As Richard Branson put it “If you look after your staff well, they will look after your customers. Simple.””
Participating businesses are judged on a number of factors, including workplace engagement initiatives, staff wellbeing, benefits, company culture and values.
The caterer came fifth in 2018, moving up four places in just one year to take the top position. With sites across the south of the UK from Birmingham to Worthing, the company has said that it holds communication as a ‘key ingredient’ in the recipe for success.
Bendall said: “When you have 450 staff spread out over the South East, good communication really is the backbone to success.
“Keeping everyone well informed through the newsletter, regular meetings with the Operations team and our two conferences each year, makes all the difference in boosting engagement and ensuring everyone feels like they are truly part of the Connect Catering family.”
Another independent caterer, Bartlett Mitchell, received a one-star accreditation from ‘Best Companies’ for the seventh year running.
Wendy Bartlett, executive chairman of Bartlett Mitchell, said: “It is a tremendous honour to once again be recognised as one of the nation’s best employers.
“Our people are the key to our success as a business. This is one of the foundations that Bartlett Mitchell was built upon and we will continue to make the wellbeing of our team members our highest priority.”