About The Nichols Group

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

What is it like to work for The Nichols Group

Wellbeing

89% of staff disagreed:

I am under so much pressure at work I can't concentrate

They provide all employees with access to an employee assistance programme. This is a confidential help line which is able to advise on many different areas, including health, well being, relationships, family care, financial, consumer advice and employment law.

89% of staff disagreed:

I am under so much pressure at work I can't concentrate

My Company

95% of staff agreed:

I feel I can make a difference in this organisation

Communication is facilitated through their Unit teams. Unit teams are represented by colours white, red, lilac, green, cyan, purple and Tartan. A specific annual budget is allocated to each unit and they meet once a month for a social event providing an opportunity to communicate with each other, to pass on business news and to provide feedback to the board.

95% of staff agreed:

I feel I can make a difference in this organisation

Fair Deal

90% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

The Nichols Group review each employee’s contributions on an annual basis to determine potential salary increases and discretionary bonuses, based on company profitability and individual performance. In addition, a variety of social events are organised to recognise, celebrate and reward individual and team efforts.

90% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Women

At least 33% of senior managers are women
Holidays

Companies offering a minimum of 25 days annual leave
Gym

On-site gym or subsidised gym memberships
Charity Activities

10% of staff undertake charitable activities during business hours
Childcare

On-site nursery or vouchers
Pensions

Companies offering a final salary or non-contributory pension scheme
Long Service

40% of employees with more than 5 years' service
Maternity

At least 10 weeks' leave on full pay
Health Insurance

Full family cover