PROVIDING PEOPLE WITH opportunities to become the best they can be is the mantra of the Starcom Mediavest Group (SMG). According to the communications agency, it's about pushing the boundaries of their work — planning and buying media — and ensuring growth for all. In September, SMG took the whole London-based company — 454 employees ranging in age from 18 to 50 — to Brighton's Grand Hotel for two days, to take part in a scavenger hunt across the city. It gave everyone a chance to collaborate in teams outside their usual peer group, and may help explain why they give each other an 83% positive score for being fun to work with. A sociable group, employees plan events throughout the year, and invite their children for Hallowe'en. People say there is a strong sense of family (76%) and agree that colleagues go out of their way to help one another (78%). Growing a client base isn't SMG's only mission — supporting staff with an industry-leading learning and development plan is at the heart of its success. Employees see the training available as of great personal benefit (80%), a result bettered by just three other firms on our list. The programme is diverse, addressing both the professional level achieved and each individual's life stage, and is renegotiated each year based on comprehensive company feedback. Core skills such as presentation and negotiation are covered, and there are management workshops as well as parenting courses and lessons in mindfulness. In addition to annual appraisals, a career-planning team guides staff through internal opportunities across the wider organisation, and openness to ideas is encouraged with an “inspired guest speaker” series — speakers have included footballer Ian Wright and adventurer Alastair Humphreys. Staff agree that the experience gained here will be valuable in the future (81%). The firm encourages charitable activities (79%), with employees participating in a sleepout with Centrepoint, which supports the homeless. The group also raises money for the Fred Foundation, which aids children with autism. The agency looks for areas where it can make a difference and its partnership with the Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Trust was founded through a colleague's own fundraising outside work. www.smvgroup.com
