Westcountry

Clinton Devon Estates, one of the South West's largest landowning companies, has been told it's among the best companies to work for in Britain and the very best nationally for its efforts to protect the environment.

The company has achieved the top accolade (3-star status) as part of the Best Companies Accreditation 2008 and is one of only 48 organisations to achieve this grade.

The Sunday Times Top 100 Companies To Work For in the UK is based on the Best Companies research and the results for small companies were published on March 2.

Each year, Best Companies and the Sunday Times celebrate the best small, mid-size and big workplaces in the UK.

Employees from participating organisations are surveyed based on a rigorous methodology.

This enables Best Companies to compile and The Sunday Times to publish its annual authoritative list.

John Varley, Clinton Devon Estates: "This is a fantastic achievement - we have always been proud of our record as an ethical company with the highest standards of people management and this recognition is a marvellous boost for our team."

As part of this year's assessment, staff were asked to rate their company's efforts to protect the environment.

With a 92 per cent score, Clinton Devon Estates' has secured top position nationally. It has also been ranked third best in Britain in the category of 'Giving Something Back' as a result of working closely with local communities and providing affordable housing.

John Varley, estates director of Clinton Devon Estates: "This is a fantastic achievement - we have always been proud of our record as an ethical company with the highest standards of people management and this recognition is a marvellous boost for our team.

"To be recognised for our efforts in protecting the environment and putting something back into society is a great accolade. Clinton Devon Estates is very proud of its heritage and places great importance on protecting and enhancing the countryside and communities here in Devon.

"Once the celebrations are over, we won't just be sitting on our laurels - we have asked for a full breakdown of the data collected in this survey so we can see if we build on this success and make even more improvements in future."

The Best Companies research is carried out using a company questionnaire and an employee survey, the marks are based on how highly a workforce rates the company in eight key areas, including leadership, personal growth and wellbeing.

Clinton Devon Estates has 75 full and part-time local employees who work in various farming and forestry enterprises including the Beer and Clinton Estates in East Devon and the Heanton Estate in North Devon. It also encompasses four business parks, residential property holdings plus a number of small businesses and a portfolio of commercial property investments across the South West.

In total, 653 British companies applied to achieve "Star Status" - 307 were awarded stars, only 48 have been awarded 3-star status.

Clare James, assistant land agent at Clinton Devon Estates, said: "There are a number of advantages in working for Clinton Devon Estates - they are very fair employers, it's good to work for a family business and in a land based environment.

"The work is always varied and rewarding - you really feel that you can see tangible results in terms of impact on the environment and the community."

Tom Garner, estate ranger at Clinton Devon Estates, added: "When I came into this job, Clinton Devon Estates really tried to bring what I do into the 21st century. They've provided everything I have asked for in terms of training courses and equipment. The company has really invested in me and my job.

"I work in deer management which is a rapidly changing field but here at Clinton Devon Estates we always try to stay up to date with the latest practices and regulations. The company is also open to diversification - these days we sell venison and stalking. The management team is always ready to consider new and better ways of doing things."