This financial services firm has grown phenomenally since a small team of life assurance workers created a UK subsidiary for Skandia of Sweden in 1979. The company is now one of the top seven in its field and staff numbers have increased by almost 50% in the past two years. Employees share in a close team culture, and are directly rewarded for success with champagne celebrations in the office when five year goals were achieved early. After a successful year in 2000 there were Christmas hampers for all and a 5% bonus for those with more than a year's service. One worker said 'We share in the successes of the firm and have some unexpected perks, making it a phenomenal place to work'. Last year was a difficult one globally and in America 150 jobs were cut to save £25m. However, benefits continue to be generous in Britain. Recently a new scheme was introduced to evaluate salary increases based on individual performance and a Skandia 'market rate'. Managers are evaluated from above and below. Emphasis is put on teamwork, which is one of Skandia's values in providing good customer service (the catchphrase is RON : do it right, do it once, do it now). Many workers made positive comments about the firm's charitable work which includes fund raising, dress down days, supporting a local children's appear and adding 50% to staff donations. Three out of four said people cared about each other at work, 95% said it was a friendly place and almost nine in 10 that they felt welcome and able to be themselves. The Southampton head office has a lively sports and social club, running trips to theme parks and a summer ball. There is also a sailing club. Extra efforts were celebrated : the company sponsors Cowes Week and takes 80 nominated colleagues on a special 'merit cruise' on the last night. Other efforts are rewarded with flowers and paid for meals out, there is an extra day's Christmas holiday and Easter eggs are given to all staff at the financial year end. The company is flexible about how staff work their 35 hour week, their hours can be fitted around dropping children at school and home working. No fuss was made in transferring one Southampton marketing worker to the London office when she had to move there for personal reasons and an employee who had to move to his family in Lincolnshire and had offered to resign, was kept on in almost the same role, working from home.