Debt advice charity named top small employer

A debt counselling charity has been named Best Small Company to Work For in 2008, in an annual survey run by The Sunday Times.

Christians Against Poverty came top out of 513 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the award, which is judged on employee responses.

The Bradford-based organisation employs 123 people and operates a network of 68 centres based in local churches around the UK. Chief executive Matt Barlow was given a score of 97% for the way he leads the organisation, securing Christians Against Poverty an additional special award for leadership.

"I care passionately about what we do," commented Barlow. "I've got to pass this passion on, to inspire people."

Second place was awarded to recruitment consultants Nicoll Curtin, while third place went to Cobalt Recruitment.

It is the second year running that a charity has won the award. Details of the top 100 small companies can be found on The Times website.