THE founder of leading Bolton online retailer AO.com said he was “over the moon” to have been named the fourth best company in the UK to work for.

John Roberts said the Lostock-based firm, which sells white goods such as fridges and TVs, prides itself on its “people-focused” culture.

The 14th Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work For list — due to be published on Sunday — has awarded AO.com fourth spot for two years running.

AO.com was one of only three companies to remain in the top five, and came first of the 100 firms in the list titled “Giving Something Back”.

The annual publication, described as the most comprehensive guide to workplace engagement in Britain, announced the roll call of UK companies at a ceremony in London on February 27.

Employees of all competing firms are asked to anonymously answer questions about management practices, career progression, workplace culture, job satisfaction, relationships with their colleagues and their working environment.

Mr Roberts said: “I believe that happy people equal happy customers and we take every step possible in providing our team with the best possible support and working environment.”

Multimedia firm UKRD, who operate 17 radio stations in the UK, came first in AO.com’s category, the 100 best mid firms.

Last week, AO.com was conditionally listed on the London Stock Exchange for the first time, with its shares valued at £1.2 billion.

It was unconditionally listed on Monday, with each share costing 285p.