A GARDEN centre company in West Hagley has been named as one of the best places to work in the UK.

Webbs Garden Centres, which has centres in both West Hagley and Wychbold, was one of 161 businesses nationwide recognised with a UK Best Workplace award by the Great Place to Work scheme.

To be recognised for the award, Webbs took part in a detailed and anonymous survey administered by Great Place to Work in July 2019.

A Trust Index survey was given to Webbs colleagues and the results represent 75% of the final score.

The remaining quarter of the score comes from the Culture Audit, a business-driven questionnaire that uncovers and evaluates the organisation's human resources and leadership practices, policies and culture.

Edward Webb, chairman and owner of Webbs Garden Centres, said: “We are delighted to win this award!

"Not only does it recognise all the hard work and dedication from everyone at Webbs, but we are also the only garden centre to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces.

"This is a fantastic achievement - a first for Webbs and for the sector.

"Promoting a healthy workplace culture through trust, pride and camaraderie is at the heart of how we work and how we strive to delight our customers."

Awards were given in three business categories - small, medium and large - with Webbs, which employs more than 350 people, one of the prize winners in the medium-sized section.

The survey found that the centres ‘go the extra mile’ and ‘above and beyond’ for their customers, and that employees there have confidence in the leadership and direction of the senior management team.

A Webbs colleague added: “Webbs is a great place to work and has a unique family feel with a focus on wellbeing and fun as well as getting the job done.”

Both of Webbs' Worcestershire centres - on Worcester Road, Wychbold, just off junction 5 of the M5, and Kidderminster Road South, West Hagley - are open seven days a week.