Newbury-based Stryker in 100 best places to work for the 10th year

Medical technology company says recruiting best staff and growing talent is key

MEDICAL technology firm Stryker is celebrating after being named in the prestigious The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the 10th year in a row.

The company, with landmark offices in Hambridge Road, Newbury, was placed 32nd in the annual table that is compiled from the results of anonymous staff surveys.

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and offers products and services in orthopaedics, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine sectors.

Its Newbury arm turned over nearly £200m in 2014 and employs 376 people.

Peter Bradley, vice president and managing director UK of Stryker, said: “We are all extremely proud to receive this accolade. “Being recognised as a top 100 company to work for, 10 years in a row, demonstrates the commitment of our people to quality, service and to making healthcare better.

“We have four key values that underpin everything we do. These are integrity, we do what’s right; accountability, we do what we say; people, we grow talent; and performance, we deliver.

“Our organisation is all about people, great people providing innovative products and services that help people. Stryker, together with our customers, are driven to make healthcare better.”

Derek O’Sullivan, Stryker’s UK human resources director, said: “At Stryker we truly believe that our talent differentiates us in the market. “We hire the best people and give them challenging assignments that helps to grow our business and the individual.

“This award reflects on the combined power of the Stryker UK team.

“At Stryker we believe we win as a team and this award is a testament to that fact.

“Placing in the top 100 for 10 years in a row does not come easy. “This can only be achieved through sustained excellence over the long term and achieving this accolade is a powerful reinforcement of how our talent feel about being part of the Stryker family.”

The Sunday Times said of Stryker: “Staff believe the organisation makes a real difference to the world (85 per cent positive, in fifth place on our list) and that they can make a contribution to its success (89 per cent, sixth).

“Employees say work is an important part of their life (86 per cent, sixth).

“Managers regularly express their appreciation for people’s efforts (85 per cent, sixth) and care about how satisfied they are in their job (80 per cent).

“The vice-president and managing director Peter Bradley runs the company on sound moral principles (85 per cent) and has a plan his workforce believes in (79 per cent).”

Almost half the staff have been with Stryker for at least five years. During their induction, employees are shown videos of patients to see the impact the firm’s products have on their lives.

Sales representatives earn average salaries of £60,000 including bonuses.

There are also numerous recognition schemes, with prizes including Rolex watches, share options and cash bonuses.

The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work awards were held at Battersea Evolution in Battersea Park, London, on Thursday, February 25.

Forty Stryker employees attended the black tie event presented by TV star Ben Shephard.

All staff will be given an additional day’s holiday in 2016, a commemorative Cross pen and some further celebrations are being planned for later in the year.

• Newbury-based communications services company Gamma came 46th in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For table.