At the Solent 250 Business Awards, Elliotts Builders Merchant, which has a branch in Winchester, was awarded the "Employer of the Year" title.

The award ceremony took place on June 18, recognising the achievements of privately-owned businesses in the Solent region. Elliotts has 13 branches throughout Hampshire and employs more than 300 people.

The family-run business, established in 1842, is now in its sixth generation and is one of South's largest independent suppliers of building materials.

In addition to payday pizzas and Christmas hampers, Elliotts supports its employees with a slew of benefits. The Elliotts Team Trust fund is set up to offer financial assistance to team members during unexpected life difficulties.

The fund does not impose restrictions on what can be paid for.

Further promoting employee wellbeing, Elliotts also provides an Employee Assistance Programme. This allows all team members round-the-clock access to GPs and mental health support.

Moreover, Elliotts offers enhanced maternity and paternity leave pay, including six months of full pay for maternity leave and two weeks full pay for paternity leave.

Tom Elliott, CEO of Elliotts, said: "I'm really proud and humbled to have won Employer of the Year.

"It all comes down to how we look after our team, because they are core to our success. Once you're part of the team, we'll go out of our way to support you, and we’ve created an environment where people can thrive.

"We've chosen to do things that feel right and are genuinely valued by the team rather than follow a formula or a tick-box exercise."

Elliotts didn't apply for the "Employer of the Year" accolade and were surprised to be picked by the Solent 250 team due to their positive local reputation.

The Winchester company underwent an interview process with the University of Southampton Business School before finding out they were finalists for this prestigious award.

Paul Chadwick, COO at Elliotts, said: "Winning this award is recognition of the way we've been running the business and doing something you probably wouldn't expect from a long standing, family owned, traditional builders' merchants.

"It's the small things that really count for people. Treating our people like humans, feeling supported when they’ve got other things going on outside of work and having a safe environment."