BUSINESSES are celebrating after securing a place in a prestigious list of the top 25 West Midlands employers.

Soap specialist Lush - which has a shop in High Street, Worcester - the Leominster-based Marches Housing Association and Allpay.net of Hereford, all made the grade, in the Birmingham Post awards.

At seven, Lush sells handmade cosmetics is popular for its policies on using fresh organic ingredients, without animal testing.

Staff are encouraged to get their hands dirty and develop their own range of soaps and bubble baths. Longer-serving workers are also given the opportunity to run stores overseas.

Eigth in the list, Allpay.net in Hereford, provides bill payment solutions to social housing and Government sectors highlighted keeping staff happy and motivated is its top priority.

At 25th place in the list, Marches Housing Association manages more than 2,600 homes in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire.

"I take pride in being able to lead a team that genuinely believes that what they do matters to the people they try to help," said MHD managing director David Hinchcliffe.

At number 25 in the list, judged by Best Companies Ltd it has been recognised for providing quality affordable homes.

"I take pride in being able to lead a team that genuinely believes that what they do matters to the people they try to help," said managing director David Hinchcliffe.

At number 22 the Nationwide Building Society, which has also has a branch in High Street, Worcester, is well-known for its charitable contributions.

In the last 10 years its flagship charity Macmillan Cancer Relief has received more than £4m from employees and members.

The Birmingham office of estate agents Knight Frank - which also has a branch in Sidbury, Worcester - was placed 16.

"Lush is probably the only beauty company in which the people run the business are the people who create the products," said manager Sharon Screaton.

HAPPY STAFF: THE FACTS

The Top Ten Ways To Make Staff Happy, according to the winners-a charity based in Wolverhampton.

1. Recruit the right people with the right skills for each and every job.

2. Have clear job descriptions so people know what is expected of them whilst allowing a good work/life balance.

3. Give regular support, supervision and appraisals to all staff within a clear line management and accountability structure.

4. Invest in training and staff development - equip people for the job and ensure a fair and equal work environment with opportunities for career development.

5. Have vision - define, share and measure organisational goals so all staff know and agree on what we do, why we do it and what good it does.

6. Consult with and listen to staff and service users - have open communication.

7. Provide high quality services that make a positive difference to people's lives and the community.

8. Lead from the front and encourage leadership at all levels.

9. Recognise, reward and celebrate success.

10. Last, but not least, pay the going rate for the job.