STAFF at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are celebrating after being named as one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for nationally.

The chamber was 20th on the Sunday Times list of Top 100 Best Not for Profit Organisations to Work for 2020 - the only accredited chamber in the UK to feature on the list.

The chamber was also given a special award for Best Improver as part of the Sunday Times Best Companies awards.

Sharon Smith, the chamber’s chief executive, said: “I am delighted that the chamber has been recognised on a national scale – this year is the highest rank we have achieved in The Sunday Times Top 100 list, which recognises the high level of support and engagement of our employees, who in turn deliver an exceptional service to our members.

“To also be commended as Best Improver is a great honour as it shows our vision of growing as a chamber in order to provide more support to our members and the local community. This award shows the hard work each department provides to ensure businesses in the region have the support they need to grow.”

Dawn Hardman, director of HR, added: “I am very proud that we have been named as the 20th best not for profit organisation to work for this year. We have worked hard to create and sustain a culture which places staff engagement at the top of the HR agenda. This award recognises the contribution and commitment from everyone in the organisation and we are looking forward to celebrating our success.”

It is the third year in a row that the chamber has been recognised at the awards.

There was also recognition for other Herefordshire and Worcestershire businesses as Halfords, DRPG, Bishop Fleming and St Michael’s Hospice Hereford were all on the list.