A SPECIALIST Wyre Forest recruitment firm is celebrating being voted one of the UK's best places to work.

Stourport-based Consilium Group, which employs 30 people, was named at number nine in the small business category in the Great Places to Work Institute's 2014 awards.

Formed in 2001, the recruitment expert places skilled engineering and management professionals into UK and European businesses - with clients including Jaguar Land Rover, McLaren, Shell and Dyson.

Their recognition follows a rigorous external assessment and interviews with the firm's employees - with staff answering questions on culture and management practices. Following the audit Consilium was praised for their flexible working approach, training and development, how they reward and acknowledge staff and for their work in the community.

Director and co-founder at Consilium Group, Russell Tuck, said: "To be recognised as one of the country's great places to work is fantastic and the icing on the cake for what has been a successful 12 months for us.

"Since we launched the business we have tried to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. So to see our employees give such positive feedback on the business, our culture and their working environment is superb.

"We work hard to recognise and reward our staff, listen to them, celebrate success together and importantly, support their goals and career aspirations. We have also invested in quality IT equipment and systems, launched our annual awards initiative and spent time forming the best possible training and induction programme.

"That effort has been well worth it. Without a happy and content team, we simply wouldn't have seen the success we've had in what is a hugely competitive industry. To be ranked in the UK's top 10 really is something special for us all."

It is the second time in two years that Consilium Group has been recognised by the Great Places to Work Institute after coming in 18th spot in 2012. The small business category is for businesses with between 20 to 49 employees and recognised 25 firms this year.

Mr Tuck and fellow director Adrian Elwell received the award on behalf of the company at a ceremony in London hosted by veteran broadcaster Gyles Brandreth.