Swindon-based Nationwide has once again been named as one of the South West's best employers.

In The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For survey, which is published in a supplement with the paper tomorrow, Nationwide achieved second place in the region, behind cosmetics firm Lush of Poole.

There are 4,000 employees at the company's headquarters in Pipers Way.

According to the Sunday Times: "There is a great sense of customer service among the 15,271 employees. Phillip Williamson, a chief executive who inspires 86 per cent of staff with his positive energy, has pledged to maintain investment in British call centres rather than using cheap labour overseas.

"The firm also scores highly for its principles, with more than four-fifths of staff saying it is run on the basis of strong values."

And the report concludes: "Work is not all serious, with 84 per cent of staff saying they laugh

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(NB: Phillip Williamson pic is on the front)

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a lot with their colleagues."

Phillip Williamson, Nationwide's chief executive said he was delighted by the results of the survey.

He said: "It is particularly pleasing as it's our employees' views and Nationwide's work policies which have been assessed.

"None of this success could have been achieved without a happy and professional group of committed people and I am proud of them all."

Nationwide is the world's largest building society and one of Swindon's largest employers.

Only last week, the company announced assets of more than £100 billion twice what it had in 1999.

Staff benefits include subsidised gym membership, childcare provision, a pension scheme, discounted beauty therapy and massage treatments.

Nationwide was rated 18th in the national rankings. Last year, it was awarded the top spot in the region.

The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For, now in its fourth year, canvassed the views of 58,000 employees on eight specific areas including: leadership, my manager, personal growth, wellbeing, my team, giving something back, my company and fair deal.

However, according to Jonathan Austin, managing director of Best Companies which conducted the survey: "Even among the 100 best companies to work for, one in six staff would leave tomorrow if offered another job, which is surprising. This proves the best 100 companies still have opportunities to improve."

Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary, commenting on the survey's results, said: "In a tight labour market, being a Sunday Times Best Company to Work For give businesses a real competitive advantage.

"I hope this year's winners will inspire others to follow their lead."