WE WANT YOU to shine, this PR and communications agency tells all its employees — and sure enough, they are positively glowing. Last year's top small company, and a leading light on the Best Companies list since 2009, Shine Communications holds second place among small firms for My Team and Personal Growth (both positive scores of 92%). “Restless brilliance” is the London agency's mission, and employees feel that all their skills are used, in first place with 80%. Last year the business grew by 9% and won 47 industry awards for outstanding work for clients such as Paramount Pictures, Sony, Evian, Homebase and eBay. The firm invests 10% of annual profit in its Shiney Happy People training programme, spending £36,000 on individual sessions. Staff can apply to take professional courses or use a personal development fund to learn a language or conquer a fear. People agree their training is of great personal benefit (90%, third) and they don't feel restricted in their opportunities to learn and grow (88%, third). Every January, colleagues take a two-day trip to plan the year ahead and prizes are awarded at a “Shoscars” ceremony. Last summer everyone joined in a summer sports day followed by a barbecue at the home of Richard Brett, the recently promoted managing director. Rachel Bell, who set up Shine 14 years ago and won our Best Leader accolade last year, vacated the post to become chief executive and took on a mentoring role for middle managers. It has paid off: staff say managers help their team members fulfil their potential (92%, the top score) and take an active interest in people's wellbeing (also 92%, third). The company's Smile team plans pick-me-ups such as a red rose on Valentine's Day and baking contests. It also masterminds charity efforts, helping local elderly people in “random acts of loving kindness”. Employees vote Shine into first place for fun (96%) and say their jobs are never boring (94%, the top score). Where Shine fell down was in helping staff to balance their work and home lives (67%, in 81st place) although its perks include four weeks of fully paid paternity leave, a six-week return-to-work bonus for new mothers, flexible hours and a 3pm finish on Fridays. Employees are proud to work here (96%, in second place).
