Anthony Duerden, their Chief Executive Officer, can often be seen across their sites chatting to staff about what they're doing and getting to know them. He meets all new staff on a one-to-one basis and undertakes six and 12-month listening groups with staff.

To assist with personal growth, they developed the ‘Leader's Journey', a bespoke seven-part accredited course that teaches managers how to lead through values, develop their staff to perform at their best, and develop and grow as individuals both professionally and personally.

BWB are an industry leader in employee development, having received multiple awards for their learning programmes and overall approach to training. Over one-third of their people have now benefited from one of their Academy programmes - Bronze, Silver or Gold.

Chief Executive Steve Wooler runs an 'Ask Steve' email inbox, which he uses to respond personally to employees' questions. He also records and shares videos that enable him to give short, fun, more personal messages to the business.

All associates are encouraged to become involved in planning fun events for their team, such as potluck dinners, birthday celebrations, or charitable activities, because the company believes that a fun and engaged environment with good work/life balance will contribute to their wellbeing.

The Celebration Times is a weekly associate newsletter distributed from head office, used to celebrate associate internal promotions and guest feedback, and for associates to share pictures of fun and imaginative ways they have launched new products.

They offer generous five and ten-year length of service bonuses, for all levels within the business. Since its introduction in 2013, and working alongside the annual bonus scheme, the initiative has proved a hugely attractive aspect of the rewards and benefits package.

They offer generous five and ten-year length of service bonuses, for all levels within the business. Since its introduction in 2013, and working alongside the annual bonus scheme, the initiative has proved a hugely attractive aspect of the rewards and benefits package.

There has been over 1,500 hours of training completed at Buckles, which includes both technical and non-technical elements. Several staff are being supported on professional courses such as Prince 2, ITEL, and GDPR, as well as CILEX and professional skills courses for lawyers.

There has been over 1,500 hours of training completed at Buckles, which includes both technical and non-technical elements. Several staff are being supported on professional courses such as Prince 2, ITEL, and GDPR, as well as CILEX and professional skills courses for lawyers.

They promoted World Mental Health day by arranging a lunchtime event for staff to walk or run one mile with colleagues. This time was used to break down the stigma of talking about mental health, which was spread on social media with the hashtag ‘runandtalk'.

They have a ‘Salary Stretch' page on the intranet that brings together all benefits staff can take advantage of in one place. These benefits include salary sacrifice schemes, mobile phone discounts, physiotherapy, discounted gym membership, buying/selling annual leave and discounted childcare

BPS World's award-winning Stars programme is a structured embodiment of the company's core mission statement: 'People Can Be More'. It provides employees with a clear development pathway from entry level to board level and has produced numerous success stories since its original inception.

Last year BPS introduced sit/stand desks, while one Wednesday each month a qualified massage therapist visits the office and offers 20 minute sessions available to everyone at a reduced rate. A recent wellbeing month was also organised, which included sessions on how to meditate.

All staff have one day per month use for volunteer work, such as painting fences, clearing gardens, school reading projects, retirement party or working at the Re-Use centre. Staff also deliver Christmas hampers to tenants and donate toys to charities.

The Hive (their intranet) is the key mode of interaction for staff as well as The Buzz magazine - launched September 2016, it allows employees to write blogs, 'like' and comments on other posts, award points and have team discussions.

Co-founder and Chief Executive Brian Allanson is a visible leader in the business. Having grown the business from one contract to 70 in its 20 year history, he was welcomed each new team into the business, personally getting to know their abilities, potential and aspirations.

Blue Apple have an Employee Assistance Programme that offers a full range of support to staff, covering finances, family, bereavement and stress. They also carry out regular wellbeing checks and monitor stress informally in one to one meetings.

The company operates a Pleasure Point scheme as a way of rewarding and recognising employees for their efforts and commitment. Employees are awarded points that can be exchanged for experience days or vouchers. There is also a monthly prize draw where employees are selected at random and awarded Pleasure Points up to a maximum value of £100.

Community plays an integral part of the company's CSR strategy, and their Big Yellow Foundation works with charity partners supporting vulnerable people, such as ex-offenders, refugees, ex-service personnel and people living with disabilities to find employment and create a better future for themselves.