THE PEOPLE AT Abbott Mead Vickers (AMV) know that they work for the best. It is the largest communications agency in the country, with clients including Heinz, Guinness and Walkers, and people are proud to be part of it (a 90% positive score and a top-three result). David Abbott, Peter Mead and Adrian Vickers founded the company 37 years ago. Abbott, who died last May, was responsible for some of the most memorable advertising campaigns of his era. Developing great creative work is still at the heart of what the business aims to do today. The agency is part of the BBDO network, which has 288 offices in 80 countries and represents more than 90 brands. It is a force on the digital landscape and in the traditional advertising arena, and has won awards for posters, radio and TV adverts, documentaries, Twitter campaigns and interactive websites. It also claims to have the fastest-growing YouTube channel in the UK. Staff rank AMV third out of all mid-size companies for being proactive (69%), and are excited about where it is going (82%). Mead believes that a business need not be ruthless to reach the top. He is vice-chairman of the Omnicom Group, which bought AMV in 1998. The company's Bud programme encourages charitable activities (92%). Last year, 412 staff undertook an 842-mile relay from John O'Groats in Scotland to the London headquarters. The event contributed to the staff's sense of family (88% and a top-10 score). A total of £32,000 was raised for the Brain Tumour Research charity. In September, 102 staffers transformed a neglected urban site into a community market garden for employment charity Tomorrow's People. It all contributes to the firm ranking 12th nationally for My Team. Just as Abbott is remembered, the Rob Hughes award recognises the person who has shown extraordinary levels of commitment, diligence and hard work, with the recipient receiving a £5,000 tax-free bonus. Dave May and Matt Elliott, two further late members of the AMV family, are also honoured and staff can receive an extra month of holiday or a travel bursary for helping others or radiating positivity. The agency's people believe it is run on strong principles (86%). www.amvbbdo.com
