Pictured above: Julie Grant

Stoke-based PR and marketing company Plinkfizz has been shortlisted for the prestigious Top Employers for Working Families awards 2010 run by leading national organisation Working Families.

Thanks to its excellent practice of flexible working and family-friendly employment, Plinkfizz has been shortlisted for two of these highly regarded and sought-after awards. Previous winners include Lloyds TSB, B&Q, Ford Motor Company, The Metropolitan Police and the National Grid. 

The only Midlands company to be shortlisted, it fought off stiff competition from an especially impressive entry this year.

Plinkfizz, with a team of nine, has secured a place in the finals alongside multi-national organisations with thousands of employees.

In the first category, Best for Flexible Working, it was shortlisted alongside nine other companies including American Express, the Royal Bank of Scotland, BT, McDonalds and Nationwide. In the second category, Best Recruitment Policy for Parents and Carers, it's been shortlisted with three others: Nationwide, ITV and Castlebeck.

Plinkfizz, based at Albion Street, Hanley, is a growing marketing communications business with an impressive client base. It has doubled its turnover in the last 12 months to top £1/2 million, even though it actively promotes family friendly and part-time working. 

Plinkfizz has three women directors who have chosen to put their families first - but not at the expense of a successful and satisfying career.  

Commented Plinkfizz Managing Director Julie Grant: "Our success proves that a small business can be just as flexible as a big company. And there is no need to compromise on success just because your business is flexible - in fact if you get the right people and give employees the best possible work/life balance, you achieve greater things because you get greater loyalty and commitment from colleagues. So there's a very strong business case for operating the way we do.

"It's easy to have good work/life balance policies. Any company can do that. It's quite another to actively recruit on that basis, which we do here at Plinkfizz. 

"And that's why we've been nominated in the recruitment category in which we face competition from just three other companies. I'm delighted our flexible approach to business has now been recognised by this leading organisation."  

Plinkfizz has a host of high-profile clients including Emma Bridgewater,  Merchant Cash Express, the British Ceramic Confederation, North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire University, Renew North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 

The 'more to life than work' ethos is applied to all staff - and far from impacting on the business it ensures Plinkfizz attracts the best people with the highest degree of commitment.

"We search for the right people and consult with them about what working arrangements will make them happiest. Our working patterns are tailored to meet individual needs," added Julie Grant.

And the policy extends to those who don't have children since all workers can benefit and thrive from flexible working patterns.

To achieve success in such a highly competitive market but on its own terms is what marks Plinkfizz out as a progressive, forward-thinking company. 

As the business continues to grow, Plinkfizz anticipates attracting more like-minded staff - people with ambition and vast experience but who make no apologies for wanting to live a full, guilt-free life.

The winners of the Top Employer Working Families Awards will be announced at a gala luncheon at a top venue in London on Tuesday October 19th.