Best Companies Factors: Giving Something Back

Recruitment

Andersen James Group

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Managers host monthly presentations to spotlight team wins, showcase strong work, and share strategic updates, keeping teams informed and connected to the wider business. The current leadership team is also undergoing a 12-month coaching programme with Amy Williams to build core competencies for high-performing, ethical leadership.

Regular activities like Escape Rooms and Friday Office Drinks spark collaboration and problem-solving, while fostering a consistent space to unwind. Team-building efforts, such as Run Clubs and Padel Tournaments, offer healthy outlets for bonding, and seasonal Sports Days and BBQs bring the whole company together.

The company’s community-led ethos is demonstrated by the National Three Peaks Challenge, where a team raised £5,020 for The Christie Charity. Furthermore, AJ gave time off to its People and Operations Manager to run creative arts workshops at a local homeless shelter, showcasing its commitment to social impact.

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Business Services

Opus Technology

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Opus Technology does a family Christmas event each year where it purchases gifts for all the employees’ children, arranges a Santa and decorates the offices with Christmas decorations and games. Employees bring their families together for an afternoon of family fun with some added treats along the way, creating a sense of community amongst them.

Fully funded companywide social events take place three times per year, including interactive team building activities such as The Cube which bring employees together and help staff to get to know people outside of their immediate teams. Regular social events are also organised by departments across the organisation and encourage staff to build personal relationships.

Opus Technology continues to support Polar Bear International and the Kenya tree planting initiative. It has also recently donated £1700 to the Samson Centre, £2500 to Ukraine charities, £2000 to Turkey earthquake relief charities, and £2000 to Save the Children – raised through Christmas Jumper days.

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Retail

Simba Sleep

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The CEO and Senior Leadership Team create organisational clarity for all employees through transparent communication. The organisation holds a town hall meeting in person every two or three months where it updates on current performance, shares the vision and strategy going forward, and ensures that it remains aligned with Simba Sleep’s principles, vales, and purpose.

Simba Sleep believes that its employees are its greatest asset and fundamental to business success, which is why it invests in its employees’ development. The organisation created the Simba Training Academy where each employee has a budget set aside of £1500 per year to spend on their development, both personal and professional.

The organisation has donated mattresses to the Turkey & Syria Appeal. It also support YouthMatters and sent refurbished mattresses to individuals moving from into independent accommodation. It further supports The Sleep Charity by working with them on educational and research content with regards to sleep, helping fund their sleep hotline and sleep counselling services.

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Charity's

Yorkshire Sport Foundation

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Yorkshire Sport Foundation places great emphasis on team spirit and inclusivity. The organisation encourages social interaction with team away days, physical challenges, catch-up days, and regular social outings. This not only promotes a sense of belonging but also ensures that work is fun and engaging.

Yorkshire Sport Foundation has a dedicated wellbeing team that promotes a culture of health and wellness among employees. The organisation conducts regular wellbeing surveys and provides mental health support, including Mental Health First Aiders, demonstrating a robust commitment to employee wellbeing.

Yorkshire Sport Foundation is dedicated to giving back to society. Through the Department for Education Opening School Facilities programme, they distributed £1.1m to schools across South and West Yorkshire, making physical activity facilities accessible to local communities. The organisation also hosts events, supports awards, and delivers community projects, reinforcing its commitment to societal wellbeing.

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Insurance

Thomas Carroll Group

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The 'Thomas Carroll Academy' fast-tracks employee development, offering clear career paths and the opportunity to gain a chartered qualification. The company also supports employees in gaining qualifications and provides financial rewards upon completion.

The 'TC&Me' platform keeps employees informed about various wellbeing issues. The company also encourages participation in physical activities, such as the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, to promote physical and mental health. The hybrid working policy further supports a balance between work and home life.

Thomas Carroll's charitable trust supports local individuals and causes. The company also participates in community initiatives such as the Christmas PJ appeal and the Aviva Broker Community Fund Award, reflecting its commitment to giving back to society.

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Housing Associations

Ongo

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Quarterly "Ask the Executive Leadership Team" sessions take place online so that staff can take part where ever they work — including sitting in a van between jobs. They give employees the chance to ask questions, share ideas or raise concerns. Pulse surveys via text and email ask staff how the organisation might improve.

Ongo have environmental practices in place such as a cycle to work scheme, encouraging the use of public transport, encouraging working from home, energy efficient IT and also making employees aware of the organisations energy consumption.

Supporting local communities is a key part of what the organisation is about. It is a regular aspect of Ongo's work, from "we care" days, when colleagues get out into the community, cleaning, painting or tidying an area, to the £1million invested in projects to improve communities in the past 12 months.

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Leisure & Hospitality

Ocean Holidays Limited

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The organisation conducts monthly company meetings for all employees. Each session delivers clear information about the current business status and plans and forecasts for the months ahead. Ocean Holidays also hosts guest speaker events to educate and share knowledge, and its annual Summer and Christmas parties, both of which are fully funded for all employees.

Ocean Holidays partners with EveryMind at Work, who run webinars on all forms of mental health and help managers to support their teams. The organisation also has trained Mental Health Champions who play a proactive role within the company and are able to sign post individuals to the get the support they need.

Ocean Holidays supports Haven House Children’s Hospice and raised over £100,000 for the charity. It regularly organises fundraising events, including sponsored walks, quiz nights, fancy dress competitions, and its annual Rudy's ramble.

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Business Services

Loop Customer Management

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Loop Customer Management offers a fair and competitive remuneration package, including a bonus scheme and annual pay deals. The company's clear Development Framework and levelling sessions between departments ensure transparency and fairness in progression and rewards.

Through its "All About You" strategy, Loop Customer Management prioritises employee wellbeing. From mental health support and counselling services to the creation of supportive groups, the company is dedicated to promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Loop Customer Management encourages its employees to give back to society. Through charity fundraisers led by the Heart of Loop committee, the company raised over £14,000 for various charities in 2023-24, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility.

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Charity's

Inspire North

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The organisation offers a structured and inclusive development framework, including two Future Leaders programmes and access to accredited apprenticeships like Art Therapy and Leadership. This focus on personalised development, supported by mentors, coaches, and the Leadership Competency Framework, accelerates growth and builds capability, driving internal mobility and retention.

Employees can access the Recovery College to enable trauma-informed support for mental health and resilience, alongside an online GP online service for easier appointment access. As a Disability Confident Leader, the organisation offers manager training on disability, and the Accessibility Network offers peer support and contributes to an inclusive environment.

Employees can volunteer in their local communities or as Trustees, enabling shared expertise. The organisation also engages volunteers who develop vital skills, with some moving into paid roles. Fundraising events like coffee mornings for Macmillan Cancer Support and the 3 Peaks challenge demonstrate a commitment to wider community support.

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Din Tai Fung UK

Employees benefit from Structured Training Pathways, with chefs having extended training programmes to replace external recruitment, building expertise. Managers participate in the daily Management Mind Gym workshops and can pursue external qualifications like ILM, ensuring staff gain expertise and strengthening retention through clear advancement routes.

Collaboration and friendly competition are encouraged through initiatives like the annual Guest Hero Challenge, where recognition is tied to exceptional guest feedback, strengthening engagement. Weekly operations meetings also encourage managers to share experiences and best practices, fostering a stronger sense of connection.

The company demonstrates its commitment through initiatives like the Drag and Bone Race for Charity, where employees train and compete to raise funds and awareness for the Water Charity. This highlights dedication to making a tangible difference and strengthens teamwork.

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Purpose Boosts Engagement

Andersen James Group

Opus Technology

Simba Sleep

Yorkshire Sport Foundation

Thomas Carroll Group

Ongo

Ocean Holidays Limited

Loop Customer Management

Inspire North

Din Tai Fung UK

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