When it came to engaging people during the pandemic, members of Ultima's senior leadership team had no fear of putting their foot in it. They sent out socks branded with the company values – honesty, respect, passion and autonomy – as part of a campaign to create positivity.

Led by CEO Scott Dodds, the business insisted not only on maintaining engagement during the pandemic but increasing it at a time when connecting with people was more critical than ever. As well as sending socks, Ultima held a vegetable growing competition and delivered gifts including sunflower seeds, Christmas hampers, Prosecco and Valentine's Day chocolates to keep up morale.

Founded in 1990, the unique software developer has a team of more than 50 people at its campus in Reading, where state-of-the-art facilities include a 24-hour technical service centre. The team shares a zeal for technology and what it enables its customers to do. Ultima aims to be the first choice for automation and infrastructure solutions and services, using Intelligent Automation as well as a range of AI technologies such as Chatbot.

Staff feedback is extremely important to Ultima. Employees are surveyed on a quarterly basis, with results published in the weekly newsletter and intranet. Senior leaders have also created a virtual suggestion box for ideas to help staff get through the pandemic. Voucher-winning entries include mindfulness sessions and a life coach. There are also quarterly incentives for employees who go the extra mile and receive vouchers worth between £75 and £500.