EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

This category was for employees to tell us about the great places they work for, and for companies to let us know about the great things they do to ensure their employees feel valued members of the team.

WATERMILL PRESS

Established in 1994, Watermill Press has experienced rapid expansion but still puts its staff at the forefront of its business, and even during the lean years of the recession it made a commitment that it would do its utmost to avoid redundancies and wage cuts. Cuts did have to be made - but it was the directors who took the hit. The company commits to paying above the minimum wage and last year received accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation.

MANSFIELD POLLARD

One employee wrote: "Mansfield Pollard flies the flag for Bradford on a national and worldwide level. Recognised as a fast growing firm, it is an exemplar of a business which has stayed true to its principles and retained a clear focus on growth, profitability and the development of its team...As an employer, Mansfield Pollard see the importance of rewarding the excellent work done by the team not just in the working environment, but also by allowing staff to have fun together in a social environment."

AIREDALE SPRINGS

One employee with 48 years' service wrote: "Airedale Springs as always been a caring family business looking after its employees, 50% of which have been there 25 years or more. They provide good safe working conditions and have a excellent safety record. They also provide good training for apprentice s and in house training...After the fire in August 2010 which caused a total loss of the factory and all contents, the staff and management worked together to rebuild the company again. Management paid all of the staff full pay whether they worked in temporary accommodation or stayed at home. Senior management did not draw a salary to enable the business to keep going."