EVERY STAFF MEMBER at IPU Group can donate a day to the local Acorns children's hospice instead of coming in to work. The company, which builds parts and systems for diesel and gas engines, does best in our survey for Giving Something Back, scoring 81% positive. Based in Oldbury, West Midlands, the firm encourages its 76 employees to get involved in charitable activities (91%). People believe the firm does what it can to protect the environment too (89%, the sixth-highest score for this question). Its policies include replacing desk-side bins with communal recycling facilities, installing movement sensors so lights aren't left on and encouraging people to use video-conferencing and public transport and to work from home. Robert Beebee, the managing director, runs the firm on sound moral principles (88%). These include supporting employees as well as suppliers and customers and being positive, fair and honest. Staff share in the company's success through profit-related bonuses too. The firm recently asked shopfloor staff to identify areas for improvement in a “work smart” project, and in response it has improved washrooms, heating and the workshop layout, as well as providing mobile tool boxes, new lifting equipment and new canteen facilities. People feel good about their work and say it isn't boring (83%). Up to half the workforce can work from home, while some work part-time or job-share. IPU aims “to be the company you want to do business with”. Although employees don't have to wear the firm's branded clothes with the logo on their chest, many choose to do so.