Huel is one of the fastest-growing food businesses in the UK, making nutritionally-complete, convenient, affordable products with a philosophy that embraces minimal impact on animals or the environment.

Started just five years ago in Tring, Hertfordshire, the company headcount has risen 57% in the last year to 125 across four bases.

The company likes to look after its staff with personal trainers and yoga classes provided free of charge to sustain physical and mental health. During the pandemic it provided loans to employees whose households were affected by factors such as redundancy and child care to ease financial concerns.

With the help of an external learning & development consultant, “Managing Others” courses were brought forward this year to upskill managers in helping their team members cope with pandemic stresses. Online meetings were given an unexpected twist by the CEO and founder dressing up in chilli or cat suits. “We like to make people smile,” the company says.

That duty of care extends into the local community with all employees given £150 in discounts to pass on to those in need, such as the elderly, people made redundant or key workers. Huel also donated food to staff in Covid wards at local hospitals during the pandemic and doubled employee donations to Black Lives Matter causes.