Media centre
5 March 2007
Kingston's IT workplace scoops "Best Place to Work in IT" award for second year running
For the second year running, Kingston Communications’ information technology team (Group IT) has beaten numerous other IT departments across the UK to be awarded the ‘Best Place to Work in IT’ Award 2007 in the Utilities and Communications category.
The awards are organised by leading computing magazine Computer Weekly who selected KC’s IT department after reviewing hundreds of entries for their annual awards.
The awards, which are dedicated to highlighting and rewarding employment best practice in the IT industry, attracted entries from both private and public sector organisations throughout the UK.
According to Computer Weekly, Kingston Communications won the award after demonstrating clear staff engagement in the strategic development of IT within the business.
Judges at this year’s event said that, as well as strong involvement in the shaping of strategy, the Kingston team also received a wide range of benefits and an organised programme of social and fundraising events.
“Winning this award for a second time is just fantastic,” said Philip Raddon, Group IT Director at Kingston Communications. “Winning last year was an excellent achievement. Winning for a second time shows we’ve maintain our focus on developing the workplace and our people to deliver even greater improvements.”
“We want our employees to be inspired throughout their continued professional development and encourage them to be involved in the key initiatives driving IT forward.”
Kingston currently employs 220 IT professionals, who between them support around 2700 staff.
The company has a number of ongoing schemes to improve the working environment of its IT team, including an internal communication programme, staff development and satisfaction initiatives as well as team building events.
A spokesperson for Computer Weekly said “Employees who have a good working environment will be enthusiastic, pay attention to quality and go the extra mile to ensure excellence of the products and services their organisations provide. This in turn will reflect itself in the organisation’s overall performance, thus creating a virtuous circle.“
The core judging criteria were positive working environment, continued professional development, evidence of work/life balance, and equal opportunities.
Philip Raddon accepted the award at a prestigious ceremony at a lunchtime awards ceremony at the Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel, Mayfair, London on 2 March.
About Kingston Communications
Kingston Communications (HULL) PLC provides a range of Information and Communications technology (ICT) and telecommunication services to businesses, and internet and telecommunications services to selected consumer markets, within the UK.
The Group’s portfolio of ICT businesses works with both leading private enterprise customers and public sector organisations. Through its Affiniti, Smart421 and JAM IP brands, the Group delivers solutions covering unified communications, contact centre solutions, data management, applications integration and managed services.
The Kingston Group also includes a regionally-focused business, Kingston Communications, which supports small to medium-sized businesses. Through its KC, Eclipse and Mistral brands, the business offers a wide range of internet-based and telecommunications services. The regional business also provides telephony and internet services to targeted consumers through its KC, Eclipse and Karoo brands.
The Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and employs over 2,700 people across the UK.
For further information please contact:
Cathy Phillips
Kingston Communications
01482 602400
E: cathy.phillips@kcom.com