A HOUSING association has been named as one of the best places to work in the country.

Regenda, which is also a regeneration organisation, has been hailed as one of the country’s top 100 UK companies by workplace specialist organisation Best Companies.

It is the second consecutive year the firm, based in Enterprise Business Park, Northgate Close, Horwich, has been recognised in the prestigious awards.

It was highlighted as being outstanding in terms of leadership, work satisfaction, staff wellbeing and personal development.

Regenda beat last year’s success by securing a two star status — it received one star status last year in The Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations To Work For.

The highest award is three stars. It was also listed at number 37 in the Not For Profit category.

David Jepson, chief executive of Regenda Group, said: “This is a fantastic piece of news. The Best Companies accredit-ation system measures levels of employee fulfilment, motivation and engagement. The fact that we have done so well is a testament to all the hard work staff do every day and it is recognition of how we as an organisation value and respect the work everyone does.”

The company specialises in affordable housing in the North West. It has more than 500 staff working at its bases in Bolton, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Liverpool and Cheshire. Staff oversee more than 12,000 houses.

Best Companies list follows surveys completed on workplace issues such as staff wellbeing and personal development.