Porsche Retail Group, TrustFord and Motorpoint were all recognised among the UK’s top employers in the annual Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For rankings.

Porsche Retail Group was the top ranked car retail business in the rankings’ Top 100 list, in 42nd place with independent used car retail group Motorpoint just making it into the rankings as the 100th firm on the annual list.

TrustFord finished 20th in the top 25 Big Companies to Work For listing, making the grade for the fifth year running.

Commenting after the official handover of awards at a ceremony held in central London, newly-appointed Porsche Retail Group managing director, Adam Flint, said that he was “incredibly proud” the recognition.

He added: “Having worked within the group over the last five years, the exceptional performance is driven by the culture of investing in our people and promoting from within.

“I am delighted we have this accolade to show what a great place that Porsche Retail Group is to work.”

On its Best Companies to Work For website, The Times said that Porsche Retail Group managed to combine “an extremely supportive working environment with industry leading performance figures”.

It said that the group put a focus on individual development whilst also ensuring everyone understands their role within the business and the impact they can make to the overall success of the company.

TrustFord said that it continuously invests in the training and personal development of its people at all stages, highlighting a recent partnership with the Prince’s Trust to offer fifteen 18-30 year olds the chance to undertake free training and become a Technician at one of their sites, in celebrating its ranking.

TrustFord chairman and chief executive, Stuart Foulds, said: “We are extremely proud to have been listed as a Sunday Times Best Big Company for the fifth year in a row.

“This award recognises the commitment of the TrustFord team to providing an engaging environment in which our colleagues are able to thrive.

“A dynamic, talented workforce is essential if we are to remain at the forefront of an ever-changing automotive sector.

“Even when faced with a tough business climate, we will continue to invest in growing and retaining the best people so we can share in our success together.”

Sharon Ashcroft, HR director at TrustFord, said: “We are delighted to be listed as a Sunday Times Best Big Companies to Work For again.

“Survey engagement increased to a fantastic 82%, a real achievement that reflects increasing pride in the business and gives us a solid insight into what our colleagues are thinking.

“It is a huge pride point for us to be listed, but it is most important for us to use the results to keep on improving the working lives of our TrustFord Family.

“Every year, the survey informs the decisions we make as we try to create an even better place to work. We aim to foster a caring and honest culture where everyone feels motivated, valued, rewarded for their efforts and, importantly, able to enjoy work.”

Other automotive sector employers to be included in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For rankings were Toyota GB and Oodle Car Finance.

Oodle secured 14th position.

Jonathan Austin, the chief executive and founder of Best Companies, said: “At just three years old, this is a terrific achievement for Oodle Car Finance.”

Oodle founder and chief executive, Jonny Clayton, said: “Employees are the power engine behind our mission to disrupt the used-car market, so we ensure that everyone is part of our journey.

“As such, we’ve worked hard to build a compelling employer brand based on inclusivity, transparency and an energetic culture which our employees clearly value.

“We’re incredibly proud of our family-friendly, diverse workforce where everyone is treated as equals and with respect. Receiving this latest industry recognition for our efforts truly is the icing on the cake.”