THE Kent Messenger Group has again been named as one of Britain's best companies to work for.

It was placed 83rd in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For, achieving a place in the guide to the best employers in the country for the second year running.

Its ranking placed it above some of the most well-established names in British business, including the supermarket giant Tesco, mobile phone operator One2One and leisure chain Hilton Hotels. The top ranking company was Asda.

David Lewis, KMG managing director, said: "What is exceptionally pleasing for us as a company is that this is the second time in a national competition that we have been judged a good place to work. It is particularly gratifying that the awards are based on what our employees think about the company.

"The fact that there were many more companies in this year's competition means that we should be more proud of our achievement and the image we have as a good employer in Kent."

The company employs more than 700 people throughout the county. It was ranked on a points system after 250 randomly chosen workers were quizzed about their trust in management, their pride in work and the company, staff satisfaction and camaraderie.

The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For guide, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry and the learndirect e-learning network, is the only survey that ranks British companies on the basis of what their employees have to say about them. Companies which made the top 100 were recognised at an awards ceremony on Thursday night at London's Hilton Metropole.

The full results will be published in an exclusive 60-page supplement with the Sunday Times this weekend.

Patricia Hewitt, the trade and industry secretary, said: "The aims of the list are to recognise companies in which staff are provided with a good work environment and to encourage other companies do the same. This exercise is not about political correctness but recognition of an economic fact - a happy workplace is not only good for employees but essential for success."