A TEAM OF 16 hardy workers from Local Care Force battled 30 obstacles and 100 tons of mud over a 10k assault course to raise more than £500 for charity last summer. They also raised funds towards the cost of medical treatment for a colleague's sister and took part in charitable deeds in work time in 2016. The nursing, social and healthcare agency is community-minded (84% positive), say its staff. Founded in 2004, the family business provides training and direct care as well as supplying personnel to a range of organisations. It employs 52 people in Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester, with a new office due to open in York. Hands-on boss and owner Leanne Silverwood is an inspiration to the workforce (95%, the top score). Employees love their roles (91%, eighth) and have a laugh with their team (93%), living up to one of the company's key values: to “make it fun”. Newcomer Local Care Force runs a mentorship programme for new employees and holds quarterly company-wide events as well as an annual team-building weekend. Incentives with prizes, including a trip abroad, keep people motivated, and the firm, which rewards every year of service, brings out the drinks trolley on Friday to thank people for their hard work. More than half its staff earn between £25,000 and £35,000 a year and they are happy with their pay and benefits (85%, 10th), which include profit-related pay and paid sabbaticals. www.localcareforce.co.uk
