The Sunday Times names Armstrong as one of the top 100 small companies to work for

The Sunday Times Names Armstrong as one of the Top 100 Small Companies to Work for Coming 19th place in the prestigious Sunday Times Awards 2008

Harpenden, UK - 10th March 2008 - Leading software developer and reseller, Armstrong Consultants has been recognised as a top employer in the Sunday Times Best Small Companies to Work For 2008 list - coming in the top 20 at number 19. This accolade follows Armstrong's recent success as being one of only 48 UK companies to be awarded Three Star Accreditation by Best Companies, for 'extraordinary' workplace engagement. Managing Director, Chris Bayne, received the award at a celebration dinner held on Wednesday 27th February in London.

As well as achieving 19th place in the overall list, Armstrong came in at 9th place for senior managers living the organisation's values, with an 89.2% response rating. Team work is also a strength within the company, coming in 10th place for employees going out of their way to help each other, scoring 87.6%. 88% of staff responded that they had full confidence in their colleagues, coming 11th place.

Armstrong was highly commended for maintaining a happy workforce with 85% of staff responding that they loved working for the company. The same number is excited about where the company is going and 85% also feel that they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation. A score of 85% for leadership shows that employees have confidence in the senior management team of eight directors and 85% are also inspired by Managing Director, Chris Bayne.

Despite a fairly demanding workload, 82% of employees don't feel that stress at work is affecting their health and 84% are happy that senior managers make a point of listening to staff to address any areas of concern. 84% of staff also responded that they are happy with their pay and benefits and, compared to similar positions in other companies, employees feel they are paid fairly, scoring 77%.

Finally, Armstrong ranked 14th in the list for giving something back to the community, with 75% of staff happy that the company supports an adopted good cause each year. Hertfordshire-based Grove House Hospice was the chosen charity for 2007.

Chris Bayne, Managing Director, commented: "This is such a fantastic achievement and we are delighted to be in the top 20 for the second year running. Our people are at the very core of Armstrong's success, and staff satisfaction not only creates a great atmosphere to work in but increased productivity and service to our customers.

"When we formed the company 14 years ago we decided Armstrong should be the sort of place that the directors would want to work and it's great to see that we are still managing to achieve this as we grow larger as an organisation. Some members of staff have been with us for over 10 years, and this commitment and strong work ethic has played a massive part in our continued growth and success."

The awards are part of the biggest and most comprehensive survey of employee opinion, with over 800 companies applying to take part in 2008 and 180,000 employees surveyed. The questionnaire assesses staff opinion on numerous aspects of their company including leadership, training, work/life balance and personal growth opportunities. The results of the staff survey contribute to 90% of the company's overall ranking.

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