RED'S GOT TALENT, as became clear when this SAP recruitment consultancy ran a talent show at its annual general meeting. Out of the woodwork came ballet dancers and even a rap act putting a poetic spin on the subject of specialist IT. "Barriers were broken down and communication has flowed more freely since the event," says Red Commerce, and its 116 employees sing its praises. Following a big growth year, they feel excited about where the company is going (92% positive) and feel they have a positive future here (89%). The business spends £150,000 on annual training to ensure the London workforce is up to speed with the SAP business management software market. There are two employees dedicated to staff development and the firm is recruiting a third. Financial support is available for work-related qualifications. Staff say their training is of great personal benefit, placing the firm third in our survey for that question with a positive score of 86%. Red Commerce has eight international offices and a popular new intranet, RedWorld, to keep everyone connected. An employee forum allows staff to share ideas, information and "general stupidity" that adds to the workplace buzz (83%). There are opportunities to relocate to other offices (New York is the current favourite). The firm organises ski trips, summer breaks and Michelin-starred lunches for its people but the real hit of last summer, celebrating record-breaking June results, was an impromptu Friday champagne picnic in nearby Green Park. Bosses all but kick everyone out of the Regent's Street offices at lunchtime to discourage staff from scoffing a quick sandwich at their desks. "We don't believe that this is a healthy way to live, so we try to ensure that everyone gets a proper break," the firm tells us. "We have a staff cafe with communal tables, a couple of pool tables and a Wii, and we're based in one of the coolest areas of London, so there's no excuse for people to be at their desks with a sandwich hanging out of their mouths at lunchtime." Managers are supportive (90%, a top 10 score), make clear what is expected of people (88%) and show appreciation for good work (86%). Senior managers truly live the company values (90%) such as positivity and innovation. Richard Vercesi, the chief executive known in the office as "RV", started on the sales floor and "throws himself wholeheartedly into every company activity, particularly when there is an opportunity to throw some shapes on the dancefloor." Staff have confidence in his leadership (89%). www.redcommerce.com
