LIKE THE WORDS in a stick of rock, this marketing agency says a sense of curiosity runs through all it does — and its 58 employees enjoy every nugget of their work. They have helped the firm blast its way up the Best Small Companies list from 80th last year, after the economic climate forced a business restructuring. But change hasn't affected the strong sense of teamwork here. The staff work from 47 to 50 hours a week, but a strong sense of family (a positive score of 89%) stops people feeling stressed (90%). Team members care for one another (96%) and they get a buzz working for firms such as Argos, TripAdvisor and English Heritage (85%). There's an average age of 31 and roughly two years of service each with the firm. People have a lot of fun at work (a top five score of 95%), with the help of a £550 annual social budget per head, monthly team-building meetings and various sports teams. The strategy works, evidenced by the fact that employees report there is nobody in their team who is disruptive (91%). Managers do an excellent job, with employees giving them an 88% overall positive score. They say managers talk with them openly and honestly (94%), care about them as individuals and take an active interest in their wellbeing (both 89%). Just as importantly, they really listen (91%), and the company has a scheme to give feedback on bosses. There are opportunities for everyone to learn and grow (83%). People have 40 hours of training each year, costing £220 a head, and the firm supports professional qualifications. Employees feel the organisation makes full use of their skills (75%). Profit isn't the only driving force (83%) and when the firm takes on a client such as Breakthrough Breast Cancer, it practises what it preaches by raising money and lending a hand, see picture above. meteorite.co.uk
