Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work for Awards

Churchill Retirement Living was placed 25th in the "Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work for Awards in London a total of 1,080 companies entered this year.

This is a fantastic achievement for the company and goes to show the support we have had from our staff over the past 24 months which have been very challenging for all of us.

(L-R) Clinton McCarthy, Jonathan Austin, Founder and CEO of Best Companies and Spencer McCarthy

Judges comments:

There’s a homely feeling and staff of all ages at this retirement house builder. Churchill Retirement Living, based in Ringwood, Hampshire, is a family-run private company that exudes cosy goodwill.

The firm, a new entry into the Best Companies list, gets its best scores for the Wellbeing of its 127 employees (a positive score of 81%). People don’t suffer from work-related stress (89%), feel too much pressure to perform well (85%) or think they are spending too much time working (76%).

Churchill Retirement Living was founded in 1994 by Clinton and Spencer McCarthy, and Spencer is still a hands-on chairman and group managing director. When difficult times in the housing industry meant the firm had to make 37 compulsory redundancies last year, he talked personally to all members of staff.

The firm offers private healthcare for all, life assurance, loans, car allowances and a contributory pension. Annual holiday starts at 24 days with up to 35 days off for senior managers. People feel happy with the balance of work and home life{79%) and don’t feel that the organisation takes advantage of them (78%). Their health isn’t suffering due to work (90% and a top five score).

The company supports people to complete marketing, design and accountancy qualifications. Managers have dedicated courses, mentoring and seminars, and share important knowledge and information (83%) while listening rather than just telling people what to do (88%).

There’s a sports and social committee to organise an annual programme of events.