Vanarama CEO Andy Alderson received The Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies ‘Best Leader’ award on the same night his company jumped to number 18 in the publication’s annual ‘100 Best Small Companies To Work For’ list.

The list is put together from the answers given by staff members in an anonymous survey from which the scores are compiled. It takes into account opinions about bosses, working conditions and employers’ values direct from the people whose work builds the success of their business.

Alderson said: “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and I’ve got a fantastic team. I love their drive, and their passion for the business and its customers – they are definitely what makes us so successful.

“In turn, one of the company’s biggest commitments is to facilitate the well-being and continuing development of our employees – I’ve always believed that if you look after your people, the rest will take care of itself. That these awards are based on the opinions of my staff makes me especially proud – both of them and the business we are building together.”

The awards come at a time when Vanarama is pursuing a programme of expansion and employee development, facilitated by the company’s recent move into a state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly office building in Hemel Hempstead’s Maylands Industrial Estate.

Alderson continued: “At Vanarama, we try to take big steps every year and 2017 will see us take several large ones in quick succession. The new building represents a £5million investment in our future, and is a clear indication of how important the continuing development of our people is to the future growth of the business.”