Alsbridge plc

B Alsbridge based in the heart of London's traditional jewellery quarter, management consultancy Alsbridge really shines in the way that it cares for its employees. Last year the outsourcing specialist, founded in 2002, expanded its workforce from 30 to 50 people, who help companies such as BT, Lloyds andHMRevenue & Customs save money by outsourcing, sharing services and relocating to other areas. Although the company might drive hard bargains for its clients, it gives staff a sterling deal. Employees rank the firm seventh overall with a 78% positive score for questions on whether they get a Fair Deal. Senior consultants are paid a typical £65,000 a year, there is performance and profit-related pay for all and private healthcare cover that includes partners and dependents. Benefits include critical illness cover, life assurance, dental insurance, and a pension scheme in which staff contribute an average 16% of salary to the firm's 12.8%. Almost half of employees have share options, and staff in general are happy with pay and benefits (78%). They say they have fair pay compared with people in similar positions in other organisations (79%) and in relation to others in the company (77%) and don't feel taken advantage of (81%, a top 10 score). People are given regular opportunities to attend or host conferences abroad, and the firm organises awaydays and events to bring staff together. A total of £80,000 a year is spent on fun events such as weekly drinks and other treats. Employees aren't spending too much time working (66%), haven't suffered work-related stress in the past 12 months (84%) and aren't under too much pressure to perform well (80%). They don't end up exhausted most days (64%), probably because team members go out of the way to help (86%). Annual leave entitlement is from 25 to 30 days (depending on rank) to keep everyone fresh. Alsbridge staff members say they can learn and grow (75%), with promotions up to partner level and training courses online. The firm pays for external development programmes, too, and people say the whole experience is valuable for their future (90%, and a top 10 score).