LAST year he was named best employer in Exeter — and that came as no surprise to Joe Catcheside, who said he has always taken pride in how staff are treated at his company.

As managing director of Underhills Estate Agents, Joe received his award from the Exeter Federation of Small Businesses at their Celebrating Small Businesses Awards 2007.

As the FSB once again prepares to launch its search for the best employer in the city, Mr Catcheside spoke of the importance of such awards for small city firms.

He said: "I think the FSB awards have the potential to become a landmark for small businesses in Exeter.

"The awards are a good thing because they highlight exemplary businesses in the city which others can look at and learn from.

"The awards are also a way of recognising the work of successful businesses and it is important to get that recognition from outside your industry.

"It also means companies have a chance to have their achievements recognised in the community where they operate. I think the FSB might well become the vehicle for benefiting the business community."

Mr Catcheside is a member of the FSB and said he was delighted to win last year.

He said: "It is great to be recognised because we go to great lengths to make our workplace as nice as possible, and that involves trusting our staff and paying them decent wages rather than paying by commission.

"We know that staff are important in this business, so we give them responsibility and I think they appreciate that.

"That the FSB looked at us and recognised that what we are doing is outstanding across the board is a great thing.

"We had a number of people comment on the award immediately after the coverage in the Echo and we have our trophy proudly displayed in our office."

Mr Catcheside added that the federation offered vital support to the small business community.

He said: "It's important for people to share their knowledge and experiences because it lets businesses take ideas from one another and apply them in a different context."

There are two ways businesses can be nominated for this year's awards — they can either nominate themselves, or a client or employee can nominate them.

An entry form is included here and must be returned to the FSB by Saturday, September 27. Forms can be posted at no cost to: Freepost FSB Region 121.

Winners will be announced on Friday, October 31, at a ceremony at Havana Bar and Restaurant on the Quay.