Medical equipment manufacturer KeyMed has retained its place as one of the UK's top companies.

The firm, which is based in Stock Road, Southend, is at number 59 in the Sunday Times annual top 100 companies list published this week. Last year, the company was ranked at number 37.

Firms are ranked on employee responses to a survey, evaluation of company policy, programmes and culture.

KeyMed was founded with a staff of four in 1970 but now employs 824 staff in Southend and at its branches in Plymouth and Livingston, Scotland. Its annual sales last year were £55.3m.

The firm made more than 160 donations to charities and organisations last year and organises the Southend half marathon.

Published Tuesday, March 26, 2002