- March 17, 2009
- Posted by: EARSC
- Category: Archive
Leading small satellite mission provider, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), has been recognised as one of the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For, and the only space industry company to make the listing. SSTL ranked 89 out of the 997 companies that took part, with staff giving a top 20 score to finding their work stimulating, saying that they feel proud to be working for the world’s leading provider of small satellite missions.
“There are lots of techie, geeky, space enthusiasts here,” says Susan Jason, who joined SSTL 10 years ago. “We have healthy, fiery debates. It’s amazing being able to contribute to such an important area.” This passion unites the company and fosters a strong team atmosphere. The survey showed that people go out of their way to help each other, with colleagues fun to work with and supportive – another top 20 score.
“Staff want to see openness and honesty. You can never communicate enough,” says Group Chief Executive, Dr Matt Perkins. SSTL was also recognised as a 1* (First Class) Best Companies To Work for the third year running.
Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Group Chairman and founder of SSTL, added: “Since SSTL’s formation in 1985, highly motivated people have been the company’s most important asset. The innovation and total commitment that our staff bring to each and every project, enables us to satisfy our customers in a technically demanding field. We reflect this view in striving to make SSTL the very best place to work”
Jackie Orme, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development,, said: “Being a Best Company to Work For is not just about prestigious listings and names up in lights. Engaged staff understand when times are tough and will respond by going the extra mile. Their companies will be the ones best placed to emerge strongly in a recovery.”
About SSTL
Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world’s leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science and communications. The company design, manufacture and operate high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with spacecraft, with 300 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments. Since 1981 SSTL has launched 32 satellites as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA and commercial customers, changing the economics of space. Based in Guildford, UK, SSTL is owned by EADS Astrium NV. www.sstl.co.uk
About the Award
The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For is now in its ninth year of publication and is compiled using a methodology tailored specifically to the British workplace. This year’s rankings are determined by the views of 200,000 employees, up from 180,000 last year, making this by far the most comprehensive survey of workplace engagement and satisfaction in the UK. In all, 997 companies took part in this year’s contest, including 383 mid-sized companies, 49 big and 565 small companies. The Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For supplement was published on March 1 and is available on www.timesonline.co.uk/best100companies
Notes to editor:
Image caption: SSTL’s HR Team at the Awards Dinner at the Battersea Evolution Conference Centre
Supporting graphics for this press release can be downloaded from the online press room. These can be previewed in the printable pdf version of this press release, that can be downloaded from the SSTL online press room : http://www.ballard.co.uk/sstl/
SSTL Contact:
Audrey Nice, Surrey Satellite Technology Limited
Tel: +44 (0)1483 804200 Email: a.nice@sstl.co.uk
Press Contact:
Robin Wolstenholme, Ballard Communications Management (BCM)
Tel: +44 (0)1306 882288 Email: r.wolstenholme@ballard.co.uk
