AXA Wealth marked its fifth anniversary with a visit from the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.

Employees at the investment and retirement specialist gave Cllr Anne Court a warm welcome as she toured the office in Winterthur Way.

Back in 2010 the company was known as AXA Winterthur Wealth Management.

The Winterthur Way office became the head office of AXA Wealth after AXA Group sold its UK life business to investment firm Resolution, but kept its wealth management business.

During the celebration visit Cllr Court congratulated AXA Wealth on developing the culture within the business that helped the Sunday Times recognise AXA as one of the best big companies to work for in the UK, earlier this year, placing the company in 19 th position – up three places on last year.

The judging criteria for the accolade, based on employee feedback, included support for local communities, the range of products and support on offer and the benefits provided to employees.

AXA scored well across the board and prides itself on giving employees access to the things that mean a lot to them and make a difference to their work and home life, such as childcare vouchers, holiday purchase and discounted gym membership.

Cllr Court spoke with some of the 400 employees based at the offcie, about their achievements, such as representing AXA Wealth in a variety of sporting events at the UK Corporate Games, the support they have for professional development, fundraising for local charities and being part of AXA’s Graduate Programme.

“It was a pleasure to visit AXA Wealth recently and have the opportunity to meet with so many of its employees,” said Cllr Court.

“One thing that came across was that they enjoy working there and really appreciate all of the opportunities they’re given, not only in their work, but also getting involved to make such a big difference to our local community. “Congratulations to all of them for raising so much money for our local charities, they should all be proud."

Chief executive officer Mike Kellard said: “It’s our employees that make AXA Wealth such a great place to work and it’s about so much more than just a job.

“It’s having a diverse workforce, flexible working, making it easier for people to work and play.

“For example we have a sports and social club run by employees who arrange social events and onsite workout classes.

“And it doesn’t stop there. A large part of AXA Wealth’s culture comes from our employees wanting to make a difference to the local community and supporting charities.

“This year, to date, they have raised nearly £70,000 for local charities.

“I’m so proud that AXA Wealth and its employees got the chance to show Cllr Court all of the work we do.

“As a financial services business, we are committed to creating a healthier, wealthier and sustainable society and that starts with our people here.”