A business in Watford has been named among the Sunday Times' 100 best companies to work for 2011.

Medtronic, based in Croxley Business Park, sells medical devices for people with chronic disease, including cardiac and neurological conditions.

The newspaper's research found that the company had a 89 per cent score when staff were asked if it made a difference to the world, while 91 per cent of staff go out of their way to provide a good service because they are proud to work for Medtronic (85 per cent) and their job is important to them (82 per cent).

Meanwhile, 63 per cent think the company is doing enough in the local community and 71 per cent believe it is protecting the environment.

These scores meant it secured 84th position on the annual table, headed by commercial radio broadcaster UKRD Group.

Jackie Fielding, regional vice president for Medtronic UK and Ireland, said: "I am delighted that Medtronic has featured in the 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the fourth year in succession, especially when you consider that 1,100 companies entered this year.

"Not only are our people proud to work for the company, their dedication is making a difference to the lives of people living in the UK and Ireland.

"Locally, the fantastic charity and volunteering work of the Medtronic Community Action Team is an example of how our employees help to make a difference to people living closer to home.

"Most importantly, though, being a good employer is about listening to what our employees are telling us and doing what we need to do to improve. That is where the Best Companies survey helps us to be a better employer."

Meanwhile, Mothercare and Early Learning Centre, based in Cherry Tree Road, Watford, were named eighth in a list of the 25 best big companies to work for.

Its 7,500 employees, based nationwide, said in the survey they go out of their way to help each other (77 per cent), have a sense of kinship (74 per cent), and have fun at work (83 per cent).

Staff also feel fairly paid compared to rival firms (58 per cent) and have a happy work-life balance (67 per cent).

Ben Gordon, chief executive of Mothercare PLC, said: "We are delighted to have been listed in the 2011 Sunday Times Best Big Companies to Work For List for a fourth consecutive year.

"Being voted number eight in the list by our employees is a wonderful achievement and we will continue to work hard to ensure that we are responding to and engaging with the needs of our people."

Accountancy firm KPMG, which has offices in Clarendon Road, Watford, came ninth on the 25 best big companies list.

Hilton Worldwide, the hotel firm that has its UK headquarters in Reeds Crescent, Watford, came 18th on the same list.

Staff questioned said they had a “promising future ahead” (65 per cent), enjoy good training (66 per cent) and are proud to work for the company (74 per cent).