THREE Hampshire firms have been named in the top ten companies to work for in the South East.

Winchester-based health insurer Denplan, Southampton recruitment consultants Hill McGlynn & Associates, and estate agents King Sturge were the regional cream of the Sunday Times 100 best companies to work for 2007.

Yet Bacardi - a perennial fixture in the top ten - was a glaring omission.

It comes hard on the heels of the announcement that the firm, based at Southampton docks, is to axe 200 workers as it moves its production elsewhere.

Denplan, which employs 312 people, came third in the region and eighth in the country, climbing through the ranks for the fourth consecutive year.

Managing director, Steve Gates, pictured right, also stormed into first place in the Best Leadership category with 93 per cent of his staff reporting he was the most inspirational leader. His firm also scooped the number one spot in the Best Company for Wellbeing category.

Mr Gates said: "This is a truly amazing achievement and I would like to thank everyone for making Denplan such a great place to work."

He added: "To know that staff continue to enjoy their work and relish the challenges we face as a company without having to compromise work-life balance is hugely gratifying."

Hill McGlynn & Associates, a Southampton recruitment consultancy with 200 staff in offices in Ocean Village, Oxford Street and Hedge End, was crowned the best place to work in the city.

It came fifth in the region and 12th in the country, rising from 78th last year.

Executive chairman Stephen Hill said: "We were so proud just to be included in the Top 100 list, but to rise so dramatically, and to be awarded the Most Improved Company trophy, is unbelievable."

And Property consultants King Sturge, which has offices in Cumberland Place, Southampton, came tenth in the region.

But its national rank dropped one place to 17th.

Partner Michael Green said: "Our success in the Sunday Times competition demonstrated our one team one culture' philosophy where fellowship is a core value."

Each of the firms were assessed on a company questionnaire, which covered topics from reward to recognition, employee statistics and policies, procedures and facilities.