PETER VARDY HAS hit squads, but there's nothing threatening about them. Last year, teams from the Glasgow-based car-dealership group were sent out to improve houses occupied by people who used to be homelesss. Over a two-week period, more than 100 employees took part in cleaning, painting and plastering. Lives have been transformed: one woman credited a hit squad with getting her back into work after 17 years. No wonder staff are proud that the company puts a lot back into the community, giving a 76% positive score — a result bettered by just six other firms in our top 100. In addition to direct action, the company is also committed to donating money — it is one of the few organisations on our list to be able to boast that all its 701 workers participated in some form of charitable activity last year. Other initiatives they took part in included the Big Sleep Out, which supports people living on the streets; sending 12,000 Christmas gifts to deprived children in Scotland; and raising £100,000 for Children in Need. Individual fundraising up to the value of £100 is matched by the company, whose nominated charities include the Bethany Christian Trust, Scottish Autism and Young Peoples Futures. Colleagues are in no doubt that charitable activities are encouraged (91%, the eighth best nationally). Peter Vardy established the company in 2006 and now has 10 dealerships, making it the fastest-growing motor retailer specialising in BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Mini, Vauxhall and commercial vans. Vardy himself is renowned for leading by example, including taking part in charitable work alongside colleagues in the hit squads. He sends out video emails to staff and invites them to contact him with ideas and innovations that may contribute to the company's success. Top performers are also invited to lunch with him at the five-star Gleneagles resort. Other incentives include week-long trips to Las Vegas, New York and Monte Carlo. Employees praise Vardy for his inspiring leadership (76%) and for running the company based on sound moral principles (82%, a top-20 result). They also say that the senior management team as a whole operates the organisation on strong values (83%). www.petervardy.com
