Two Suffolk firms are celebrating after they were listed among the best companies to work for in the UK. Lowestoft floor and wall surface manufacturer Altro and Newmarket-based corporate insurance brokers The Davis Group were named in The Sunday Times 100 best medium-sized and small companies respectively.

SUFFOLK firms are celebrating after they were listed among the best companies to work for in the UK.

Lowestoft floor and wall surface manufacturer Altro and Newmarket-based corporate insurance brokers The Davis Group were named in The Sunday Times 100 best medium-sized and small companies respectively.

Employees were randomly selected and given a series of 66 carefully-structured questions, which they answer in confidence, as part of the selection process.

The Davis Group, which came 44th in its category, celebrated achieving a place on the list for the third year running.

Group chairman and chief executive officer Leigh David Smart, said: “This has capped an exceptional year for the group, having already won Insurance Intermediary of the Year, becoming patrons of The Prince's Trust and founder members of the Prince's Trust Insurance Leadership Group.

“To have been listed for the third year running in this prestigious list is an exceptional achievement. Everyone in the company is justifiably proud.”

Altro, based in Pinbush Road, which came 96th in the list, is celebrating the occasion by throwing a huge staff party, with buffet, cakes and music. Gifts will be handed out to all employees.

It won its place after staff were questioned about the company's training and development programme, and the availability of career opportunities within the organisation.

The accolade also took into account the communication and understanding of its business goals and performance, working conditions and the company's contribution to the local community.

Its chief executive, Richard Kahn, said they were “thrilled” to be recognised in the survey.

“A place in the top 100 is highly enviable. It is of such special significance and value because 90% of the award is based on feedback direct from our employees.

“We truly appreciate the effort, dedication and commitment of our staff and this award proves that we are a leading-edge organisation which places its staff at its heart.”

It is one of several accolades for the company in recent months. It was highly commended in the National Business Awards' Business Innovation of the Year category, got a Product Marketing Innovation Award at the annual Construction Marketing awards, and earned top spot in the Training and Development category at the Hertfordshire Business Awards.

Altro manufactures and supplies interior surfaces, including flooring and walling systems, designed to be hygienic, safe and practical, as well as decorative.

Specialist liability insurance suppliers Marketform, a firm chaired by Suffolk entrepreneur and Ipswich Town Director Holly Bellingham, was also named in The Sunday Times' top 100 list.