STANDING STILL IS not an option for people at Maxus Communications. Originally set up in 1992 as 20/20 Media and operating under its current name since 2008, this media planning and buying agency last year launched a company culture programme, Never Stand Still — a group of initiatives aimed at helping staff to realise career goals and get the most out of life. A growth fund allocates £250 per person annually for anything that supports development, be it a wine-tasting course, driving lessons or a professional qualification. Work and personal coaching is available too, and industry experts give talks in-house. Chief executive officer Nick Baughan and most of the agency's 311 employees are based in London's Finsbury Square, close to the City and the tech hub of Shoreditch. Maxus clients include L'Oréal, Barclays and BT. There is a smaller site in Edinburgh, and Maxus has 70 offices in 55 further countries. Individuals see plenty of opportunities to learn and grow (73% positive, ranking sixth on our list), and consider experience they gain to be valuable for the future (84%, ninth). Team relationships are another strength. Getting to know colleagues begins when new joiners take the Thursday afternoon drinks and snacks trolley round the office, stopping off to meet people in all departments. A buddy takes them to lunch during their first week. www.maxusglobal.co.uk
