At Yorkshire Forward a can-do attitude goes a long way. The government agency tasked with promoting the economic development of the Yorkshire and Humber region has exceeded every regeneration target set in each of the past six years. The culture here is a positive one where enjoying work is one of the company principles. The 343-strong workforce gave the firm a 74% positive rating for its values and 79% for the positive difference the organisation makes to people's lives. An annual appraisal identifies training and development needs and the organisation will pay fees for courses leading to a degree or qualifications such as an MBA. Employees are encouraged to use their knowledge, experience and creativity to develop projects, a policy which results in motivated staff who say work is stimulating (75%), although the 31% positive score for too much red tape in the Leeds-based organisation is the lowest in our top 100. Chief executive Martin Havenhand opens each induction workshop and visits the company's five offices every six months. Staff get to air issues at surgeries held by directors and are kept informed of news at weekly meetings and an annual conference. Staff feel trusted and supported by their managers and give them a 74% positive score for caring about them as individuals. Nonetheless, employees say managers fail to use all their talents and do more telling than listening (55%). Family-friendly working options from flexitime to term-time contracts and job sharing keep more than two-thirds of people happy with the balance between their work and home life. Benefits include generous maternity and paternity policies, a minimum of 27 days' holiday, a company contribution to gym membership and a final salary pension scheme.