Hi Ian - I've got couple days of vacation 🙂
You have to change code in file modules/CRM/Contacts/Contacts_0.php
line 68:
There is:
$this->rb->set_default_order(array('last_name'=>'ASC', 'first_name'=>'ASC'));
you have to change to:
$this->rb->set_default_order(array('company_name'=>'ASC'));
It's simple change, but you have to know where to look for it.
Contacts order will not be changed in the addon for the companies.
Regards,
Adam