A KILWINNING family business has been listed as one of the top 100 firms in the UK to work for.

Buzzworks Holdings, one of Scotland’s largest hospitality groups, has been named in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for 2018.

The company is one of only four Scottish companies and just six within the hospitality industry to feature in the 2018 results - the third year in a row.

Positioned number 66 on the list, Buzzworks bosses say the accolade recognises them as not only one of the best places to work within the Scottish hospitality industry, but one of the best to work for in the UK across all sectorsThe group manages 10 prestigious venues across the West of Scotland, offering an aspirational dining and entertainmethrough four stylish brands - Elliots, Scotts, House and Lido.

In 2017 Buzzworks opened its first venue outside of Ayrshire – The Coach House in Bridge of Weir, and this year will see the group’s flagship brand Scotts, open a restaurant in the East of Scotland at Port Edgar Marina.Kenny Blair, Buzzworks Holdings MD, said: “It’s a momentous achievement for us to place on the list for a third year running. And the fact that this award was the result of a staff survey completed by our staff makes it all the more special.”

“For them to score Buzzworks as one of the UK’ best companies to work for is extremely gratifying and testament to a lot of hard that goes on behind the scenes. We are incredibly proud of our team and thankful to have such amazing people working within our business.

To win a place on the list, businesses must employ at least 250 full-time employees and achieve one of the 100 highest Best Companies Index scores.

Supporting personal growth for each employee through training and development programs, encouraging charitable activities and a hands-on leadership team with strong values were all highlighted as top scoring factors for Buzzworks this year.

Benefits for staff include flexible working contracts, reduced hours for equal pay, paid overtime or time back in lieu and two weeks advance notice of rotas – all providing an improved work life balance for employees and contributing to the groups high index score for 2018.

Kenny added: “Our people are everything and we are proud of our family-like environment, with staff of all ages working together in close-knit teams to provide world class hospitality to our customers. Our leadership team is highly visible across all venues, giving everyone the opportunity to talk to managers face to face about any issues or ideas they have.

“We are also keen to encourage personal growth and development for everyone in the company. Our Management Accelerator Programme for example allows staff to develop the necessary skills and gain the required experience to progress into a management role with the business.

“Our philosophy is, if we look after our staff, they will look after our customers. Our core aim remains the same – to make people feel great through hospitality.”