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East Yorkshire-based trade kitchen supplier Howdens has hit the top 10 in the Best Big Companies to Work For list 2022.

The highest place operator in the Humber secured the 10th position, up four from its last participation in 2020. Since then it has become a £2 billion turnover business, with international growth leading to more investment on patch.

More than 65 per cent of the 11,000 employees at the FTSE-listed high-growth giant were involved in the survey. Elsewhere construction and forecourt retail specialist Sewell Group came in at 45th in the large company section, with contact centre operator ResQ at 108th. In the mid-size category, IT firm HBP debuted at 106, fulfilling an ambition of the managing director.

Read more: Howden raises profit expectations after record-breaking peak trading period

Andrew Livingston, chief executive at Howdens, said: “We are incredibly proud to have increased our ranking in this list. It’s based on our employees’ feedback and is a true a testament to the unique culture that all Howdens’ employees help to create.

“To achieve such consistently high scores demonstrates how much we care and invest in our people. While we take the time to celebrate this award, we always strive to be the best.”

As part of the process, Howdens was also shortlisted as one of five companies to receive the ‘Best Companies Giving Something Back Award’ in the big companies category, recognising its innovative approach in supporting charities and local communities, and its efforts to lessen its impact on the environment.

Kirsty Homer, group HR director, said: “Howdens was founded on the principle of being worthwhile for all concerned – our customers, our suppliers, our communities and, of course, our employees. Engagement is fundamental to that principle.