PEOPLE MATTER. THOSE are among the first words visitors logging on to Chester and District Housing Trust's website will hear its chief executive John Denny use in a brief video message. And staff at the trust are made to feel that they are important. They like Denny's open and approachable style, awarding the company a positive score of 79% for the Leadership factor, the 15th highest ranking. The chief executive's regular small group sessions, internet blog and encouragement of feedback make employees feel inspired (85%, a score beaten by just six others). In a recent blog, Denny says that the trust's biggest strength is that "as far as possible there is no hierarchy in our organisation or between the customer and ourselves". Workers have great faith in him (87%), and feel he runs the organisation on sound moral principles (85%). It is the fourth year running that the trust has featured in the 100 Best Companies to Work For list and its 27th placing this year — up from 47th in 2010 — is its highest ever ranking. The organisation's 315-strong workforce provides homes for rent and sale and works to deliver sustainable regeneration. It is responsible for more than 14,000 customers in 6,200 properties. Supporting and improving the local community is the core purpose of the trust's work, which includes involvement in a worklessness project and the provision of a team dedicated to combating antisocial behaviour. Chester and District Housing Trust gets an overall score of 69% for the Giving Something Back category, placing it in the top 20 of companies for this factor. cdht.ne