About Sage (UK) Limited

If Sage ever gave up its parties, it would be in trouble. Staff at this accounting software firm rave about the Christmas parties and spring balls. These are typically dressed up affairs with a free bar and glittering prizes.

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Sage celebrates is 20th birthday this year, having risen to become one of the leading companies in northeast England,. It has made many acquisitions here and abroad and now employees twice as many people outside Britain as it does at home.

In the past two years Sage has acquired the American firms Peachtree and Best Software, with the result that it can claim to be the world's largest supplier of PC based accounting software, with about 2.5m customers,

Sage staff benefit from share ownership schemes and a pension plan in which the company matches contributions of 4%. Employees can buy shares at a special price through payroll deductions of up to £250 a month for three to five years when they can sell them. More than 20 Sage employees have become millionaires.

Despite its rapid growth, Sage still have a small company feel, staff say because the directors and managers are accessible and approachable on a first name basis.