HLM Architects is the top place to work in architecture and construction having climbed 25 places since last year to secure 37th place in the Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work for 2009.

The firm, which has an office in Glasgow and is one of the largest practices in Scotland, is the only architect to feature in the list.

This achievement builds on the three stars it was awarded earlier this year in the 2009 Best Companies Accreditation List, making it one of only a handful of "extraordinary" companies to work for based on staff feedback.

In addition, it has also been awarded one of seven Special Awards, 'Best for engaging with schools', for its excellent work in the education sector.

HLM is employed on the Building Schools for the Future programme, and is Trust Advisor in Tower Hamlets and Hull. It works with the Sorrell Foundation to inspire creativity in young people, offers about 14 work placements a year, and is involved with the Young Apprenticeship programme in construction.

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About the practice’s impressive jump up the Top 100 Best Small Companies league table, the judges said: "HLM Architects aims to design places where we all can 'live, work and play to our full potential', and the company itself is a perfect model of this goal.

"Staff feel the training is of great benefit to them personally, say they aren’t spending too much time at work and are happy with the balance of work and home life."

Chairman, Chris Liddle, said the comapny is thrilled with their position this year: "Since we first appeared in the list in 2006, we have climbed 45 places, which is testament to our unwavering efforts to look after our staff.

"We invest in our people, we support them in their career and most importantly we work together as one team – all of this will never have been more important than in the year ahead as we face new challenges and opportunities together."

The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For Awards are a key benchmark for staff satisfaction and reward businesses that value their staff, look after their clients and work in partnership with the communities in which they operate.

A total of 565 companies took part, an increase of 52 from last year's list.

(GK/JM)