Loyalty, long service and leadership skills are rewarded
A peer-to-peer thank you scheme ensures good work does not fly under the radar
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the BIG LIST a - Z
A peer-to-peer thank you scheme ensures good work does not fly under the radar
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Loyalty, long service and leadership skills are rewarded
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Tandem Bank Staff at this digital green bank get an extra day’s leave for having renewable energy, discounts of up to £1,500 on solar panels and £500 towards an electric-vehicle home charge point. The Blackpool business aims to help people make greener choices that benefit both their pocket and the planet. Two annual volunteering days boost the workforce’s wellbeing. Tandem supports five charities chosen by employees and aims to reach 1 million minutes of volunteering. tandem.co.uk
The Edwin Group The Newcastle group provides support services to the education sector, including staff recruitment, vetting checks and wellbeing workshops. It supports the welfare of its 339 staff with mental health first aid champions, menopause ambassadors and a wellbeing week. Perks at the organisation which has opened in Cardiff, Southampton and Cornwall in the past 12 months, include reduced working hours during school holidays plus a bonus and commission scheme. edwin.group
The Gym Group Not everybody who works here wears a leotard and legwarmers. With more than 230 gyms, the Croydon-based operation requires specialists in finance, technology and customer service as well as fitness trainers. It adds up to a team of 1,800 with a focus on equality, diversity and inclusion. Perks include eyecare vouchers, share schemes and, naturally, gym membership. thegymgroup.com
the7stars Reflecting its mission “to inspire the exceptional and defeat the bad and the boring,” this London media agency does not have job titles and invites employees to participate in leadership teams to drive change in the company, from supporting new staff to promoting sustainable practices. The agency runs a range of development programmes for its 285 staff. Free lunches, payday events and sports teams encourage teamwork and camaraderie. the7stars.co.uk
Thomas Franks This caterer, with its headquarters in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, offers ample development options for those with an appetite to learn, including apprenticeships, masterclasses led by industry experts and an international cultural exchange programme. UK managing director Blain Shepherd started as a front of house assistant and head of human resources Holly Norrington joined as an apprentice. With offices in Malta and Portugal, the 20-year-old business is recruiting a dream manager to feed its 1,800 employees’ aspirations. thomasfranks.com
Travel Chapter An annual £500 voucher to spend on a getaway ensures staff at this holiday letting agency can enjoy a well-deserved break. The operation, which trades as Holiday Cottages, offers its UK-wide team of 840 a package that includes flexible working hours, remote working options and a 30-day holiday allowance. Employees, their families and friends can also get 10 per cent off holidays they take with the company. holidaycottages.co.uk
Travel Counsellors
Manchester travel agent Travel Counsellors provides a wide range of benefits for its 322 staff. These include hybrid working, with three days in the office and two at home, medical insurance and enhanced maternity and paternity pay, free Costco membership, free lunch in the office twice a week, a cycle-to-work scheme, a salary-sacrifice car leasing scheme and discounted holidays. There are also social events to bring people together outside the work environment.
travelcounsellors.co.uk
Turning Point Scotland
This Glasgow not-for-profit social care organisation supports vulnerable people across Scotland, and more than 66 per cent of its 1,100 employees have a recognised disability or personal experience of one. It treats its staff as they would expect to treat those they support, with compassion, integrity, respect and inclusion. Flexible working and family-friendly policies combine with competitive pay rates and perks such as life insurance and staff discounts.
turningpointscotland.com
Victrex
Staff at this plastics manufacturer discover new skills and knowledge through a “leave to stay” approach, which allows them to change roles every two to three years. Formed after a management buyout from ICI in 1993, the Lancashire company supplies high-performance polymers used in products including smartphones and medical devices to more than 40 countries. It employs over 1,100 employees globally with 684 in the UK. Rewards for staff include share plans and bonuses. victrexplc.com
Visit Britain/Visit England
Fluid working locations are part of the package at this UK tourist agency. Staff can work in a hybrid way and, for two weeks a year, the 318 employees may do their jobs from anywhere worldwide that the organisation has a presence (at their own expense). They can also volunteer on campaigns in other countries through an internal exchange scheme. VisitBritain/Visit England has mental health first-aiders and wellbeing champions. visitbritain.com/en
Vorboss
Last year, this telecoms company funded 199 courses for its 368 staff, each of them having been given a budget towards personal development. The London-based fibre network offers health insurance and mental health support, working with colleagues to support them with any neurodiversity requirements, and a range of family leave that covers all kinds of need. From day one, all employees are trusted and given a catalogue of support resources. vorboss.com
Wealth at Work
This Liverpool firm, which provides financial education in the workplace, is accredited by Investors in People. It uses its expertise to support its 387 employees’ financial wellbeing, providing help and guidance on the cost of living and their pension investment choices as well as the chance to invest in the group’s corporate ISA. Mental and physical fitness are well looked after, with flexible working, health insurance, mental health services, dental care and eyecare. wealthatwork.co.uk
Whg This affordable housing provider marked its 20th anniversary last year with celebrations involving many of its 780 staff. The Walsall-based organisation has embraced hybrid working, and work-life balance is boosted by a benefits package that includes discounted gym membership, cashback on optical, dental and physiotherapy treatments, and salary-sacrifice schemes for cycle-to-work and car leasing. A new performance management framework supports professional development and encourages staff to contribute to strategic objectives. whg.uk.com
William Jackson Food Group The strategy of this family-owned East Yorkshire food manufacturer is built around looking after its 1,872 employees properly. Based in Hessle, training is offered at every level, with upcoming talent developed in-house. Employee benefits include a wellbeing platform with 24/7 access to an online GP for staff and their families, as well as legal support and online exercise classes. Staff receive thank-you gifts twice a year and there is an annual Superstar Awards night, with 30 winners each receiving £300. wjfg.co.uk
Wingstop UK
Team members get a free meal every day at this London food chain, which has fast become a hit with youngsters and pop stars alike – Stormzy and AJ Tracey are said to be fans. Since arriving in the UK in 2018, the group has opened 44 locations (and counting) and has 1,500 staff. The company takes pride in offering clear career paths, competitive wages and comprehensive training to employees in diverse communities. Helping to build the Wingstop culture, staff perks include friends and family discounts, private healthcare and regular team-building events.
wingstop.co.uk
Xalient The Leeds-based IT consultancy company was founded by Sherry Vaswani in 2015 to tackle cyber criminals. It is seeking to double its workforce by next year, with a focus on culture and inclusion among the 330 employees – three in 10 of whom are female, with the same proportion non-white. A management programme is offered along with remote and hybrid working options and mindfulness training. The company is in our top ten of big organisations. xalient.com
YouLend
The ethos at this London-based financial services firm is all about giving back to its 363 employees. Diversity awareness months ensure people feel seen and included, while apprenticeship and mentorship programmes provide on-the-job training and career guidance. A benefits package includes stock options, private medical insurance and enhanced parental leave. Monthly massages aid relaxation and improve mental health. youlend.com
Yü Energy
At this Nottingham energy supplier, inclusivity and collaboration in the working environment are a priority. Management places value on creating a diverse workplace where all voices are heard and engagement surveys promote two-way conversations. Support for the 314 employees come via regular pay reviews, bonus schemes and a focus on developing talent from within. Employee benefits include an electric car scheme, birthdays off work, enhanced parental leave packages and additional leave for weddings. yuenergy.co.uk
Zenith UK
The 344 employees at advertising agency Zenith have the chance to work abroad for six weeks under its Work Your World policy. The London company, which has given its staff two extra days’ holiday to promote wellbeing, provides paid leave for early pregnancy loss and fertility treatments and supports staff suffering from cancer or other long-term health conditions. Structured learning programmes for all levels of staff plus mentoring schemes, coaching and MBAs for high-flyers ensure staff reach their zenith. zenithmedia.co.uk
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The glass is definitely half full for workers at the Dorchester Collection’s Coworth Park hotel
The glass is half full for the Dorchester Collection’s workers
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Aberlour Child Care Trust
Scotland’s largest children’s charity works with disadvantaged young people and the Stirling organisation offers its 615 employees a wide range of training opportunities and qualifications and is keen to promote diversity. With more than 145 years of history, the modern-day charity is underpinned by the values of respect, integrity, innovation and challenge. Staff benefits include competitive salaries, extra allowances for shift work, pensions and life insurance and a voluntary healthcare scheme.
aberlour.org.uk
AEG Europe
Work is certainly entertaining at promoter and The O2 venue owner AEG Europe. The London-based company’s 497 employees enjoy “exciting perks”, from choosing a free show and climbing The O2 to weekly guest-list opportunities and all-expenses paid trips to events such as Coachella for annual staff awards. There are networks to promote diverse interests, mentoring schemes and management workshops. Start and finish times are flexible, dogs are welcome at work and during the summer Fridays are shorter.
aegeurope.com
Ainscough Crane Hire
Apprenticeships, vocational training, on-the-job learning and e-courses take careers to new heights at this Wigan-based business. Founded with six small cranes and a van in 1976, it has a network of 30 locations and more than 400 cranes, making it one of the largest independent heavy haulage fleets in the UK. Discounted gym membership, health classes and mental health first-aiders lift wellbeing among the 819 employees.
ainscough.co.uk
Alcumus
Risk management solution company Alcumus is proud of its multi-generational workforce. The chief executive meets every new starter. Benefits include enhanced maternity and paternity leave packages and hybrid working with three days in the Cardiff office and two from home. An employee assistance programme supports the 827 global team, whose ages range from 18 to 70-plus. Benefits include a 24/7 helpline, optical and dental care and massages.
alcumus.com
Atlas Hotels
It is easy to escape work at this chain of 58 hotels, which has its headquarters in Leicester. Its 1,800 employees get rooms at its Holiday Inn Express, Hampton by Hilton and Holiday Inn sites for between £15 and £25 per night, with 50 per cent off food and drink, plus “substantial” discounts at 6,000 hotels worldwide. Work anniversaries are celebrated with a free stay, there are monthly cash rewards and a health plan. Unusually for the hospitality industry, the big company has four-week staffing rotas.
atlashotels.co.uk
Aventum Group
This London reinsurance group – which insures other insurers – says that it is not afraid to dream big either. Its 437 employees feel motivated by two key principles to “always make insurance better” and to employ the best people. There is an academy for new workers and a mental and physical wellbeing programme including in-house personal training sessions and access to a mental health coach.
aventumgroup.com
Awin
As part of this marketing specialist’s people-first workplace culture, employees take one paid day off a week or can choose to work three full days and two half-days. The global firm, which has 17 offices worldwide including one in London, further boosts wellbeing among its 435 UK team with online yoga classes, appointments with nutritionists and information about who in the company people can speak with in confidence for help.
awin.com/gb
Barhale Holdings
This Walsall firm carries out crucial civil engineering work and its 1,045 employees are a vital plank. It reaps the rewards of major contracts such as the HS2 power supply, water mains upgrades and reservoir works. Employees benefit too, with life assurance, private medical care, loyalty holidays and a staff assistance programme. There is training for people from all backgrounds, a volunteering scheme and a pledge to operate in an eco-friendly way.
barhale.co.uk
Bella Italia
With five generations working in its restaurants, Bella Italia feels like one big family. With its headquarters in London, the nationwide chain dishes up a wide range of development programmes including apprenticeships and incentives such as a four day-trip to Italy for top performers. Mental health first aid training has been introduced for restaurant managers to support wellbeing among the 1,440 staff, who also benefit from discounted gym membership and half price bills at its venues.
bellaitalia.co.uk
Benefex
The Southampton technology company’s software helps companies in 80 countries manage employees’ benefits and uses its OneHub platform to do same for its 610 employees. Last year they benefited from 4,000 hours of learning and 117 people were promoted or moved roles. In addition to 25 days’ holiday, employees get their birthday off, two half days to support their wellbeing and can buy an additional five days’ holiday annually. The firm is in our top ten of big organisations.
hellobenefex.com
Blackstone
Berkeley Square in London’s Mayfair is the prestigious address of the UK arm of this asset manager. Formal and informal opportunities, from leadership and mentorship programmes to workshops and speaker events, help the 596 employees advance their careers. The Blackstone Charitable Foundation organises volunteering and fundraising events, including the Cycle for Survival campaign in which employees raised £1 million in two weeks to support the fight against rare cancers.
blackstone.com
Burger & Lobster Restaurant Group
This restaurant group serves up good career prospects, with one in five of its 425 people promoted in the past year. All head chefs have been promoted internally. With nine restaurants in London and around the world, including New York, Singapore and Bangkok, the company offers a range of training, including online courses, mentorship schemes and leadership programmes. A 50 per cent discount on food, free meals at work, company parties and an extra day’s leave are also on the menu.
burgerandlobster.com
Cappagh
This London firm prides itself on the diversity of its 405 employees, which shows that roles in the building industry do not have to fit stereotypes. With more than 50 years of history, Cappagh prioritises long-term relationships over short-term profit; annual employee turnover is less than 3 per cent. All staff are paid annual bonuses and benefits include enhanced pension contributions, life insurance, private medical cover and an on-site gym.
cappagh.co.uk
Chartered Management Institute
The Corby organisation for business leaders aims to prioritise the wellbeing and work-life balance of its 300 employees. The working culture is flexible, with 35-hour weeks and a 2pm finish on Fridays. Training and development opportunities, including micro-learning, are available, along with wellbeing and volunteering days and a Bring Your Dog to Work initiative. Benefits include dental and optical care, retail and leisure vouchers, gym discounts and a Cycle to Work scheme.
managers.org.uk
Clarion
Netball and football teams, volunteering days and fundraising activities build camaraderie at Leeds-based Clarion. The top ten big company, named Independent Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2023, nurtures talent through trainee and apprenticeship programmes and coaching and mentorship initiatives. Social events include pantomime trips, BBQs and Christmas parties for the 310 employees. On-site massages, yoga classes and free flu jabs enhance wellbeing.
clarionsolicitors.com
CLS
At the London branch of this financial services firm an empowered staff is a happy staff. It operates a hybrid working model that enables its 650 employees to establish a working pattern that suits them, facilitated by monthly office days. A network of mental health first-aiders is on hand, while sick days are rebranded as health days in order to encourage colleagues to be proactive about their physical and mental health.
cls-group.com
Convex
This international speciality insurer and reinsurer has its staff covered with policies that include agile working, generous annual leave and a £1,300 annual budget to spend on learning and wellbeing. The London company, which makes our top ten of big organisations, has offices in Bermuda, Luxembourg and Guernsey, and employs 436 people. It holds an annual summer festival for workers and their families and an annual Dream Pitch where Convexians, as staff are known, can win the time, money or resources (or all three) to achieve a personal goal.
convexin.com
COS
Part of the H&M group, COS employs 364 people at its HQ in London’s West End and is the first arm of the wider company to offer benefits from wellbeing spaces to free menstrual products and paid volunteering days. It surveys staff to ensure they feel empowered and valued and understand their role and uses those findings to improve. Staff also enjoy a store discount at the clothing retailer, a three-month break after five years’ service and dental and medical insurance.
cos.com
Croda
Croda creates, makes and sells speciality chemicals for everything from the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine to botanical cosmetics. Based in Snaith, East Yorkshire, this big company also has all of the ingredients of a happy workplace for 952 people. There are hybrid and flexible working patterns available, self-led learning modules and opportunities for transfers to sites across the globe. Benefits include a pension, share schemes, private medical insurance and health screening.
croda.com
Croud
The 300 employees at this digital agency are “Croud and Proud” – in particular of the inclusive company culture fostered there. It offers a range of social activities and events, from craft evenings to the Shrewsbury Dragon Boat Race, while professional development is supported by an online learning platform that features over 700 courses. Benefits include railcards, season ticket loans and remote working opportunities, as well as fully stocked kitchens in the London office.
croud.com
Dakota Hotels
This boutique hotel group offers top-quality service to customers and top-quality career prospects to its 585 staff. Based in Manchester, with five hotels in England and Scotland, the company develops employees through initiatives including training courses, cross-departmental training and mentorship. Many of the team have been with Dakota since it was established in 2005, with a number of the senior team working their way up through the ranks.The business is in our top ten of big organisations.
dakotahotels.co.uk
De Vere
With hotels across the south of England, but headquartered in a pyramid in Harrogate, De Vere employs 1,066 staff. A “people and culture team” at each location nurtures and develops employees and cultivates a positive work culture. Loyalty levels are high, with low turnover – last year, 169 new colleagues were referred by staff. An annual awards ceremony celebrates successes and staff enjoy discounts including half-price hotel stays.
devere.co.uk
Dishoom
This Indian restaurant chain serves an appetising menu of rewards for loyal staff, including a trip to Mumbai after five years’ service and a month's paid holiday and travel vouchers for those clocking up a decade. The London-based top ten big company, inspired by the Bombay cafes of the 1960s, plants a tree for every employee each year – currently 1,534 – and donates a meal for every one served, reaching more than 20 million to date.
dishoom.com
Dorchester Collection UK Hotels
This London-based hotel group opens doors for staff with a development programme covering everything from internships to leadership schemes, hands-on experience and opportunities to move around the business. The top ten big company, which includes The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane in London and Coworth Park in Ascot, extends its five-star treatment to its 1,000-strong workforce through engagement committees, recognition schemes, celebrations, food and drinks discounts and complimentary hotel stays.
dorchestercollection.com
Drake & Morgan
Partying is compulsory but a clear-headed strategy has helped the hospitality company grow since it starting pouring the drinks in 2008. The workforce of 502 at its bars and restaurants across London and Manchester are encouraged to develop their skills and a mentoring scheme operates in partnership with Otolo. Employees receive a paid day off on their birthday – another excuse for a party.
drakeandmorgan.co.uk
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easyJet holidays
New performance shares give the 327 staff at Luton-based easyJet holidays the chance to benefit from their efforts and the company’s success. A weekly peer-to-peer "thank you" scheme and monthly recognition award also ensures excellent work does not fly under the radar at this company, which features in our top ten of big organisations. A fortnightly "permission to pause" allows employees to step away from work for two hours and do something for their wellbeing.
easyjet.com/en/holidays
Ericsson
People have good connections at this Swedish-owned communication company. The 1,416 staff at the Reading-based firm are offered mental health support, webinars on wellbeing topics for everybody at all life stages, plus an online GP and private medical insurance. There are opportunities to work abroad, an online learning platform, company bonus schemes and a share purchase plan. All employees enjoy 28 days holiday as well as eight bank holidays.
ericsson.com/en
FGH Security
From preventing theft at supermarkets to covering the Eurovision Song Contest, this security company operates at every level. The Lancaster-based firm’s 679 employees have space to grow, with 70 per cent of senior positions filled internally. Everybody has a professional development budget and 80 per cent of permanent staff completed a qualification last year. With offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester, the firm pays for transport to remote shifts and offers VIP music and sports tickets for leading staff performers. fghsecurity.co.uk
Firmdale Hotels Afternoon teas are a specialty at this hotel chain. The London group’s 1,350 employees enjoy weekly afternoon teas, long service is rewarded with special experiences and team member of the month and competition winners earn cash prizes. A tool allows people to access accrued wages early and, when shifts are over, staff benefit from discounts on food, drinks and hotel stays. firmdalehotels.com
Flat Iron Steak
A steakhouse chain that takes pride in listening to its 700 staff and giving them what they want. The London company, which started as a pop-up above a pub, is rapidly expanding and has its own Yorkshire herd of cows. Half of its managers were promoted from within and rewards include free lunches, performance bonuses, a 50 per cent restaurant discount and a benefits scheme that was overhauled based on staff feedback.
flatironsteak.co.uk
Hall & Woodhouse
The Dorset firm behind Badger beer and 250 pubs has been in business since 1777. It strives to make hospitality and brewing a career choice and not just a job, encouraging internal promotions among its 1,600 staff. It offers the Real Living Wage as a minimum, plus profit share and bonuses, and is starting to introduce guaranteed hours contracts to replace existing zero-hour deals. There is an extensive benefits programme – including, yes, free beer. hall-woodhouse.co.uk
haysmacintyre
Positive action is the order of the day at haysmacintyre. The London-based chartered accountancy firm has worked hard to bring its gender pay gap down to three per cent and the 568 staff have received training on unconscious bias and neurodiversity awareness. The company sponsors RISE, an initiative designed to boost social mobility by encouraging staff to take part in workshops with schoolchildren from disadvantaged areas.
haysmacintyre.com
Health Assured Workplace wellbeing is this Manchester firm’s speciality, so its 312 employees can expect excellent mental, physical, financial and social support as well as smaller touches such as weekly fruit deliveries and discounts. A weekly star performer is awarded with an all-expenses-paid break in the Lake District, including an additional day of paid leave. Team members have access to a digital self-help platform, offering workshops, articles and courses to support healthy behaviours. healthassured.org
Heartwood Collection Good career opportunities are on the menu at this London-based pub and restaurant operation, which offers a range of advancement programmes and aims to fill 75 per cent of management positions internally. Formerly known as Brasserie Bar Co, Heartwood was co-founded by the Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc and owns the Brasserie Blanc and Heartwood Inn brands. The 1,300 staff enjoy benefits including meals on shift, long-service awards and enhanced maternity and paternity paid leave.
heartwoodcollection.com
Individual Restaurants
This business recognises the contributions of its 1,339 staff with weekly and monthly awards and development training. The Manchester company behind brands Piccolino, Riva Blu and Piccolo, promoted 60 people to management roles last year. Operations director Francesco Fiore is an example of the pathway, having started in a junior management role. An enhanced maternity and paternity package and meals on shift are on the menu. individualrestaurants.com
JKS Restaurants
Founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi in 2008, the London restaurant group includes Michelin-starred Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Lyle’s, Trishna and Sabor in its portfolio. Development opportunities including apprenticeships, wine training courses, in-house workshops and trips to suppliers across the country give the 770-strong team skills to grow their careers. Employees get one paid volunteering day a year and perks include a tasty 50 per cent off at the group’s restaurants.
jksrestaurants.com
Jollyes This Waltham Abbey pet food retailer has doubled its workforce in two years and has introduced an innovative package of benefits for its 1,200 employees. This includes a “pet-eternity” day for those bringing home a new pet, a week off on full pay for those getting married and enhanced parental leave packages. As the business grows it is capturing the experience of its longest serving colleagues, training those qualified to prescribe veterinary medicines. jollyes.co.uk
Lakeland
This family-owned Cumbrian retailer turns 60 this year and has grown to 1,107 staff – but still focuses on making each of them feel at home. Employees report a happiness rating of 74 per cent and give the CEO a 100 per cent approval score. Long service is the norm and there is a strong leadership development programme. Lakeland supports local charities nominated by workers as well as national charity partners. lakeland.co.uk
Las Iguanas
This lively Latin American restaurant chain hopes to keep its 1,400 staff as happy as its customers. Based in London and with venues across the UK, it offers a generous selection of development opportunities for its “Iguanas”. Gold Standard bartender and waiting team programmes aim to improve on-the-job skills, while incentives include trips to Brazil, Cuba and Mexico. It aims to promote from within and offers discounts to employees, friends
and family.
iguanas.co.uk
Lomond
At this London property agency, investment in people has assured success. A mentorship scheme resulted in scores of active pairings, while the employee assistance programme offers free counselling support sessions and mental health resources to the 1,185 workers. Benefits include access to the company’s smart spending app, giving discounts at more than 900 retailers, with enhanced packages available for maternity, paternity, adoption and IVF leave. All colleagues get their birthday off work. lomond.group
loveholidays The online travel agent encourages its 368 employees to see and experience the world with holiday discounts and a policy that allows them to work abroad for two weeks a year. Continuous learning, including on-the-job experience, formal training sessions and professional qualifications, also broaden horizons at the London-based company. Its Women’s Network gives female employees the chance to take part in workshops and develop their careers through mentoring schemes. loveholidays.com
Lowell
This credit management specialist has helped more than three million people to become debt-free. Staff develop professionally and can have an impact locally through volunteering initiatives. Designated engagement ambassadors and quarterly team days nurture a sense of togetherness. The new £52m headquarters on the outskirts of Leeds boasts a gym, coffee shops and two multi-faith rooms, and the hybrid working policy gives the 1,600 staff an option to work in the office just two days a week. lowell.co.uk
LVMH Beauty
An influential player in the perfume, make-up and skincare markets, this London-based firm puts the emphasis on self-improvement. Its 1,300-strong workforce benefits from leadership programmes, skill development and mentoring opportunities, while neurodiversity workshops aim to foster inclusivity. A summer school helps those from under-represented backgrounds gain work experience and employees also have the chance to learn a new language. lvmh.com/houses/perfumes-cosmetics
Menzies
Based in Woking, this financial services enterprise has a dedicated team committed to improving life for its 581 employees. In recent years this has included office refurbishments, private healthcare, mental health first-aiders, flexible hours and the ability to buy or sell annual leave. There are also sponsored volunteering opportunities such as an annual Make a Difference Week. menzies.co.uk
MG OMD
With 22 areas of specialism, this London media agency offers its 525 employees plenty of scope to learn and collaborate. The ability to work remotely from anywhere for two weeks a year, along with 4pm Friday finishes and shorter summer hours, boosts wellbeing. Employees, who also get two annual rest-and-recharge days, can apply to join the Challenger Board, where members can contribute to key projects and question the status quo.
mgomd.com
MHR
At this Nottinghamshire HR, payroll and finance software company, development opportunities range from cross-departmental mentoring to more than 60 training courses. A cloud-based employee experience tool enables its 845 staff to access information whether they are working in the office or elsewhere. Social events include running clubs, bake-offs and book clubs. Dental coverage and 24/7 access to a GP are among the benefits. mhrglobal.com
Midland Heart
Providing safe, affordable homes across the Midlands, the Birmingham-based housing association wants its 1,196 employees to feel just as comfortable. Inclusivity groups for LGBT+ issues, women, race, ethnicity and disability foster awareness and understanding, along with bespoke training for female and black employees eyeing leadership roles. The Charity Pennies scheme allows staff to round up their net pay to donate to good causes. midlandheartgroup.org.uk
Mills & Reeve
With its Investors in People platinum status, this law firm is clearly on the right track. Based in London, with 1,339 staff across the UK, it has a hybrid working policy, a Respect at Work programme offering inclusive leadership training, and a recognition toolkit to give workers credit and gifts. Depending on the company’s financial performance, an annual bonus is paid to all staff.
mills-reeve.com
Moat Homes
This not-for-profit organisation, building affordable housing across southeast England, wants its 487 employees to feel as valuable as the work they do. Based in Dartford, the company invests in its staff through training, secondments, coaching and mentoring, with flexible working patterns. Initiatives such as its diversity network Moat Together and a menopause support group ensure everyone feels welcome. moat.co.uk
Mowgli Street Food
Bearing the founder’s pet name for her daughters, this Indian street food chain from Liverpool has experienced wild recent growth, with 21 restaurants and rising. It employs 838 people and has introduced equity, diversity and inclusion training in every restaurant. Staff development courses include learning about world foods and visiting suppliers, while up to 40 employees a year carry out charity work in Indian communities and everyone has access to wellbeing and counselling services.
mowglistreetfood.com
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N Brown
Through brands such as JD Williams, Simply Be and Jacamo, the Manchester-based online clothing and footwear retailer serves customers of all shapes, sizes and ages, and champions inclusion in the workplace too. In 2022 it established five communities representing diversity within the business which resulted in the firm sponsoring Manchester Pride. New initiatives include on-site yoga and Pilates classes, massages and sound baths, with the 1,650 staff encouraged to take a wellbeing hour once a week.
nbrown.co.uk
Nedbank Private Wealth
To ensure its 285 employees excel both physically and financially, this private bank and wealth-management business offers a range of wellbeing initiatives as well as a bonus and benefits packages. Staff at its offices in London, the Isle of Man, Jersey and Dubai can make use of a 24-hour online GP service, private medical insurance and mental and physical health apps to achieve a good work-life balance. They also offer long service awards, annual leave up to 31 days and sabbaticals.
nedbankprivatewealth.com
Oakman Group
Loyalty is rewarded at this pub and inn operator, with long service awards ranging from a free hotel stay and dinner on the house to a £1,000 personal life experience voucher or 1,000 shares for those clocking up 10 years. The company, which has its headquarters in Berkhamsted, Herts, employs 1,500 staff across 42 sites from the Home Counties to the northeast. It nurtures its own talent, with 74 per cent of managers and 68 per cent of head chefs promoted from within.
oakmaninns.co.uk
Octopus Electric Vehicles
Being part of the fight against climate change drives the 291 staff at this London-based electric vehicle specialist, which is in our top ten of big organisations. “We are saving the world one car at a time,” says one employee at the business (not to be confused with its parent company, Octopus Energy), which was launched in 2018 to make it easy to switch to greener driving and decarbonise the planet. Benefits include equity options, an electric vehicle scheme and free breakfasts.
octopusev.com
Onebright
A free office treat box is just one reason for the 475 employees of this mental healthcare firm to feel bright. The York business, offering on-demand cognitive behavioural therapy, has a four-day working week for many teams, a health cash plan, paid volunteering days and future leaders and mentorship programmes. There is an online wellbeing centre to support financial, physical and mental wellbeing, free breakfasts and fruit and even the odd “pet therapy” session.
onebright.com
OneFamily Last year 70 employees at this Brighton financial services provider progressed their careers through promotions, secondments or by moving to a new role. A well-established mentoring scheme, apprenticeships and leadership development programmes build a pool of talent from within at this growing multi-location firm. Chief executive Jim Islam, who took over in December, updates the workforce of 751 weekly and holds regular face-to-face breakfast sessions at its offices. onefamily.com
Paragon Skills
This training and apprenticeship provider ensures that its staff can also access top-tier training. Benefits include income protection, an employee assistance programme, rest days, mental health training and healthcare. Performance is rewarded with awards and a peer-to-peer recognition programme. Paragon makes our top ten of big organisations. Based in Bournemouth, it is active across England, with 302 workers who are kept informed through internal communications channels, email newsletters and weekly “Sparks Sessions”.
paragonskills.co.uk
Paxton
This Brighton manufacturer of smart entry and security systems unlocks the talents of its 350 staff with training and development courses, while quarterly appraisals track their progress and help them reach long-term career goals. Paxton, which exports to 60 countries worldwide and has five international offices, nurtures camaraderie through social events, including wine tasting, pub quizzes, football tournaments and fundraising activities. Yoga classes, gym membership and private health care insurance boost wellbeing.
paxton-access.com
Permanently Unique Group
This Manchester group, which runs the Tattu and Fenix restaurants, does all it can to retain and reward employees in a sector where high staff turnover is the norm. A bespoke training programme was introduced last year, with 97 per cent of those taking part saying it had a positive impact. Staff retention and internal promotions have increased as a result. PUG’s 570 workforce enjoy dining discounts and a menu designed by its head chefs. Benefits include massages, yoga and pottery and painting classes.
permanentlyunique.com
Ramboll
Employees at this global engineering, architecture and consultancy firm use their skills for good causes including a volunteering effort to map the impact of last year’s earthquake in Syria and Turkey, helping aid reach those in need. Founded in Denmark in 1945, Ramboll has 17 offices in the UK with headquarters in London and offers its 1,366 staff flexible working hours and dedicated learning programmes for every career stage. Benefits include dental insurance, electric vehicle leasing and a cycle-to-work scheme.
ramboll.com
Rare Restaurants The operator of Gaucho and M restaurants, based in London, aims to offer 100 per cent hospitality to employees and guests. It offers its 1,031 staff a host of benefits, training and development opportunities including access to more than 500 apprenticeships, English and Spanish lessons and trips to Argentina to visit wineries that supply the chain to experience South American culture. Other perks include a day off for your birthday, two paid charity days and relocation packages. rarerestaurants.co.uk
Red Engine
Based in London and with multiple locations in the UK and abroad, this hospitality outfit is on target with its employee offerings. To ensure its 800 staff progress, it offers regular learning and development sessions, management training and incentives. The recently launched Chef Academy keeps kitchen managers up to date with their culinary and people skills.
red-engine.com
Rightmove
Easter eggs are given out by the CEO at this property portal, which employs 852 people, and there is free fruit in the office. The bigger picture includes flexible working, wellbeing programmes, private healthcare, enhanced parental leave, a menopause policy and diversity and inclusion groups plus 27 days’ holiday and free gym access in the Milton Keynes HQ. When staff reach 10 years’ service, they are immortalised as an office gnome. rightmove.co.uk
Rocksteady
Rocksteady makes popular video games and this London-based company takes pride in the way it treats its 254 employees. Benefits include private family medical and dental care, “back-up care” for children, subsidised yoga, massages, gym membership and monthly team lunches and breakfasts cooked by the studio director. Staff are offered hybrid working arrangements, weekly happiness surveys and training to promote inclusion. An unusual extra is access to DC Comics’ online library.
rocksteadyltd.com
Sandicliffe The Loughborough car dealer group invests in training and mentoring to ensure its 465 staff are geared up. New starters are taken to lunch by the managing director within three months of joining the firm’s 14 dealerships across the East Midlands. Wellbeing centres, mental health apps and enhanced maternity and paternity pay ensure staff have plenty of fuel in the tank to perform. sandicliffe.co.uk
Sewell GROUP
This group of companies operating across Yorkshire employs 535 people but also retains the family feel of the days when Fred Sewell and his gang started work on a building project in East Hull in 1876. The Hull-based organisation has weekly team huddles, quarterly briefings and personal plans. It offers management and leadership development and aims to give every employee "a stake and a voice”.
sewell-group.co.uk
Sigma Connected A four-day week, flexible work arrangements and a policy of promoting from within motivates the 1,567 staff at this Birmingham outsourcing specialist. Sigma, which offers customer contact centre and debt collection services across the financial services, telecommunications, energy and retail sectors, encourages staff input on issues from key projects and new initiatives to benefits packages. These include personal enrichment opportunities from language courses to virtual yoga classes and discounted gym membership. sigmaconnected.com
Signature Group Since opening its first pub in 2003, the Edinburgh-based hospitality group has put its stamp on the bar and restaurant scene in Scotland, across 20 venues. The business, which employs 650 people, nurtures talent through its Aspire and Inspire training courses for junior and senior managers. It also serves up a 40 per cent discount at its venues and on-the-spot rewards of up to £50 for people who go the extra mile. signaturepubs.co.uk
So Energy Founded in 2015, this is a business of its time. It is green, supplying renewable energy to more than 300,000 households. It has adapted to the effects of the pandemic through greater awareness of mental health issues and has a diversity strategy. The 450 staff in Chiswick, west London, can take advantage of flexible work patterns and participate in an annual engagement survey. so.energy
Starcom
This London advertising agency scooped numerous awards in 2023 and had equal success in its own team: there were more than 100 promotions among its 479 staff last year, and its lowest level of churn on record. Key to this is an inclusive culture: senior leaders are approachable, and training and support programmes foster inclusivity and wellbeing. Perks include two paid “reflection days” and the option of six weeks’ remote work per year. uk.starcomww.com
Stephens Scown
Having fun is one of the tenets at this regional law firm, from singing in the workplace choir and Friday drinks to team social events. The employee-owned Exeter-based business, which has offices across the southwest, offers training opportunities including its growing graduate and apprenticeship programmes. Hybrid working allows the 338 employees to split time working in the office and at home under the B Corp’s “Best of Both Worlds” model. stephens-scown.co.uk
Stepnell Two-way communication is key at this construction company in Rugby, Warwickshire. Every member of the 325 workforce is given a voice to suggest improvements. The firm has developed a culture in which colleagues want to work, hosting quarterly awards to recognise good ideas and best practice. It has invested in mental health first aiders, operates cycle-to-work and company car schemes, and offers colleagues paid time off for community volunteering. stepnell.co.uk Switalskis Although this legal firm, with its head office in Wakefield, has grown significantly in recent years, it has not lost its personal touch – with gestures from the "butty run" to Easter eggs, Amazon vouchers at Christmas and an extra August bank holiday to remember a valued former colleague. A limited company rather than a partnership, Switalskis employs 392 people across 12 offices, including one in London. Managing director John Durkan hosts induction sessions for new arrivals every two months. switalskis.com
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