Island business telecoms company plan.com is celebrating after finishing in the top 10 of a best small companies list.

The award-winning firm was placed seventh in the Sunday Times workplace study of the 100 best small companies to work for, 2019.

The ranking is based on feedback surveys where staff are asked to rate their employer across a wide range of areas including pay, conditions, teamwork, leadership and wellbeing.

The best companies lists are the leading assessment of workplace engagement and have been conducted annually since 2001.

It is the second time in two years that plan.com has appeared in the prestigious line-up. Last year the company was ranked at number 14.

plan.com, which was benchmarked against more than 742 small businesses seeking accreditation, achieved the following results:

96% of employees feel proud to work at plan.com,

93% believe they are making a valuable contribution,

95% are inspired by chief executive Dan Craddock,

96% believe that employees exemplify company values.

More than 100 people work at plan.com’s company headquarters on the second floor of IOMA House in Hope Street, Douglas.

The judges highlighted the firm’s rich social calendar which, in 2018, included a summer party in Alton Towers, a massive celebration during the World Cup and a week-long Christmas party agenda that included an all-night party in a purpose-built Christmas village at a secret location in the Isle of Man.

Kevin Perks, head of human resources, said; ’plan.com is not your average company to work for. We are evolving so fast that people must adapt quickly to what we’re doing. We really, really, do work hard but one thing that rings true for all our employees is you get back what you put in.’

When asked why the company did so well on the list, Kevin Perks said: ’We have built a culture that truly embraces, supports and celebrates our people and embodies our ambition to be a world-class leader in all that we do.

’The travel and social events are a great bonus, but the best indicator of employee satisfaction for me is that when you ask our people about their jobs, they’re excited to tell you what they’re working on and of their contribution to the company overall.

’Being named as one of the Sunday Times’ best companies to work for is an accolade we are truly proud of. Being placed so highly on the list is as much of a recognition of our team’s loyalty, dedication and sheer hard work as our success as a company.’

Member of staff Eddy Laou said: ’There is a genuine sense of community at plan.com, regardless of department, age and gender. We all support each other and work hard, and once we’ve achieved our goals, we celebrate even harder.’

Sergio Dos Santos said: ’I never expected to become so attached to this job, this company and the people I work with. It’s been a bit like having a child - it’s a life-choice and not something you can just disconnect from at the end of the day.’

Georgina Thompson said: ’I joined plan.com because I was attracted to the inclusive, inspiring and challenging work environment. I’m constantly shifting my perspective on how best to engage our customers, partners and staff. It’s an exciting way to work and it keeps me on my toes.’

And Charlotte Gregory said: ’I used to work in life assurance, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined but I absolutely love it.

’There’s always a buzz around the office and I’m proud to be part of such a revolutionary and industry-changing company.’