Meridian Medical has been named Employer of the Year for the third consecutive year at the annual Arun Business Partnership Awards.
The win recognises the company’s ongoing commitment to having a vibrant, employee-focused work environment built on trust, hard work and open communication, with a leadership team that prioritises creating the best possible workplace to retain staff while also attracting new employees.
Commenting on why Meridian Medical was again deserving of this award, Miriam Nicholls, Arun District Council’s Business and Economy Manager, and organiser of the awards, said: “The judges look for a company that goes the extra mile to retain good staff, a company who has a low turnover figure and can demonstrate that employee satisfaction is measured and issues acted upon in a positive manner.”
To achieve the company’s employee-focussed culture and business success, owners and directors, brothers James and Marcus Fenton, both employees prior to inheriting the business, have made significant investment in the business premises and facilities over the past six years including:
- Updated toilets/washrooms in all buildings; (2 new in 2024);
- Refurbished offices, with air conditioning and new office furniture;
- Refurbished and updated kitchen and staff areas;
- Updated IT infrastructure and new equipment in all buildings.
Other staff-focused initiatives have included:
- Becoming a certified Living Wage Employer;
- Temporary employees offered permanent contracts after 3 months;
- Fully paid summer BBQ and Christmas party;
- An emphasis on promoting internally;
- Three weeks’ paid sick leave;
- An employee health cash plan;
- An Employee Assistance Programme (offering unlimited confidential mental health support;
- Paying a £100 per month bonus per employee cost of living allowance from November 2022 to March 2023, to ensure no member of staff was unable to afford heating during the winter fuel price rises.
These initiatives have all contributed to reducing the company’s staff turnover rate from 10-15% per month in 2017 to the current 0.65%.
On accepting the 2024 Award, James and Marcus said: “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible management and HR teams, whose commitment ensures that our supportive and fun company culture thrives year after year. This recognition confirms that at Meridian Medical, it’s not just a momentary success but an ongoing mission to create a workplace where our employees feel valued and trusted.
“We are immensely proud to have an environment that promotes growth, learning and genuine career progression. To everyone who contributes to making Meridian Medical such an extraordinary place to work – thank you. This recognition is as much yours as it is ours. Here’s to continuing to build and inspire together!”
The ABP Awards 2024 ceremony, sponsored by local businesses, took place on Friday 1st November at Fontwell Park Racecourse, honouring and commending outstanding businesses within the Arun District of West Sussex.
Meridian Medical is a family owned, privately held, contract manufacturer, specialising in sterile and non-sterile medical device development and supply. Founded in 1990, Meridian Medical is headquartered in Littlehampton, West Sussex.
Further information about Meridian Medical can be found on our website www.meridian-medical.com or by contacting us on 01903 732344 or emailing us at info@meridian-medical.com.
