FOR the third year, a Bicester company that runs five pubs in Oxfordshire has been named in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies list.

The Peach Pub Company, which runs pubs such as The Fishes in Oxford, is number 48 in the rankings which lists some of the best businesses in the country to work for, based on the opinions of the people who work there.

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Bicester Advertiser:

Hamish Stoddart, managing director of Peach said: "When we started Peach in 2002, we had one pub and a handful of people running it. We made a success of that pub but we knew that to build something sustainable long-term, we needed to put our people first and share success with them.

"So we really focussed on our teams, investing in training to help people fulfil their potential. We also created a set of principles we work to, such as 'encouraging individuality' and 'serve the good stuff."

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The Sunday Times survey asked the team questions on training, wellbeing, satisfaction and leadership.

The company also runs The Fleece in Witney, The Thatch and The James Figg in Thame as well as The Bear & Ragged Staff in Cumnor.

Mr Stoddart added: "We feel we are striving to make a difference for our people, but having their endorsement of this, alongside getting recognition as a great employer from this prestigious award for the third year running is really special."