AN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE and re-insurance underwriting group with a portfolio in special risks, the Kiln Group keeps planes flying, enables ships to deliver cargo, helps to keep energy moving around the globe and supports those in need in the aftermath of some of the world's most tragic disasters. Part of the Tokio Marine Group, Kiln's UK operating company is one of the largest trading in the Lloyd's insurance market. It's not surprising that the 321 staff in London, Manchester, Ipswich and Leeds are proud to work for the organisation, which also has offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Belgium, France, Germany and Brazil, giving an 86% positive score in our survey. Run on sound moral principles by chief executive Charles Franks (86%), in whom employees have great faith (85%), the company also has a strong social conscience (another 85%). All three are top-10 scores. Kiln, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012, sponsored the ground-breaking marathon in Makeni, Sierra Leone, last June in support of the British charity, Street Child of Sierra Leone. The company paid for 20 employees to take part in the African road race and matched money raised by staff, resulting in a donation of £180,000. The business supports charitable activities (89%). People are encouraged to study for professional membership within their own field, with the firm picking up the cost of fees, providing study leave and organising exam revision classes. There are bonus payments or pay increases for those who pass. Kiln, which invested more than £1,500 per head on training on average last year, also runs lunchtime talks on technical and professional topics enabling staff to develop continuously. In addition to decent pay — the average salary of an underwriter is £113,740 and more than half the employees earn in excess of £55,000 — an annual lunch is held every January to thank staff and celebrate the success of Kiln. People say their health is not suffering because of work (83%), adding that senior managers are good listeners and that they are happy with the balance between work and home (both 72%). They wouldn't leave tomorrow even if they had another job to go to (78%), which is backed up by the fact that more than 40% have been at the organisation at least five years.
