TARTAN ISN'T JUST a badge of Scottish identity at management consultancy The Nichols Group. It is the name of one of eight "colour" units in which employees socialise. This new entry to the Best Companies list is family-owned and has clients such as the Cabinet Office. Its recent work includes strategies for the London 2012 Olympics, the Crossrail project and developing the Oyster card for Transport for London. The company is based in London, with another office in Scotland. There's a lot of respect for its three leaders, chairman and chief executive Mike Nichols, and board members Kathryn and Frances Nichols. Employees say they run the consultancy on sound moral principles (an 89% positive score) and don't feel taken advantage of (74%). The consultancy's 81 employees report directly to the board. People feel fairly paid relative to similar jobs in other firms (80%, and a top 10 score), and compared with others in The Nichols Group (72%). They don't feel under too much pressure to concentrate (84%) or to perform well (82%), both top 15 results. A generous £1,322 a head is spent on fun each year. There is even a "Strictly Nichols" night in which staff can learn the foxtrot. Kilts are optional. www.nicholsgroup.co.uk
