Three Bristol businesses have been named on a list of the UK’s 100 best small companies to work for.
The national awards ceremony, which took place in London last night (February 20), recognises firms that create a happy and engaging environment for staff.
The yearly list is compiled using feedback from staff in each business in a bid to get a true picture of what the company is actually like.
These are the three Bristol companies named on the list and why they are rated so highly, including some impressive perks:
Heat Recruitment
Recruitment agency Heat was selected after staff members highlighted "extraordinary" levels of engagement.
The company based near Castle Park, offers its staff wellbeing, holiday and financial benefits, including a month-long sabbatical for every five years of service.
Staff can also use a free on-site gym and ping-pong tables.
Managing director Steve Preston said: “It’s a wonderful testament to the passion we have for our employees.
“The team work so hard every day and give 110 per cent with everything they do.
"Your staff are the lifeblood and foundations of your business. In order to provide exceptional candidate experience, you must have happy employees.”
The company’s operations manager, James Ackland, recently celebrated 10 years working for Heat with a month-long sabbatical trekking in Sri Lanka.
He said: “Heat is an incredible place to work. The perks are fantastic, and you are truly rewarded for loyalty and longevity.
“It’s not just the holidays, meals and golf days though. It’s the continuous investment into training and development throughout your time at Heat that, not only opens doors, but increases your exposure and experience with clients and candidates.”
RedRock Consulting
Technology consulting company RedRock, which is based on Pembroke Road, was named eleventh on the list.
Corporate social responsibility is a large part of the company’s culture.
RedRock staff raised £13,000 in 2018 for The Grand Appeal charity through team events such as Tough Mudder.
To thank them, the company is taking all its employees to Dublin in March.
Dean Harte, co-founder and managing director of RedRock Consulting, said: “Creating a successful business is about more than financial growth, it’s about building a community.
“That’s something we practice within RedRock and we’re proud of what we provide in terms of team activities, support and career progression.
“But what we’re most proud of is the role we play within our local community here in Bristol.
"We work closely with The Grand Appeal because of the incredible work they do to support families in the most difficult of times in the South West.”
Team manager Luke Fuidge, who has worked at the company for more than eight years, added: “The directors here recognise potential and know how to nurture that.
“They care about our development both professionally and personally and there’s a real family feel within the business.
“It’s really different from your typical recruitment company, RedRock makes sure that it gives as well as takes from its staff and the local community.”
Thorn Baker
The company specialises in construction recruitment and has offices on Queen’s Charlotte Street in the city.
Employees at Thorn Baker get a range of perks including flexible working hours, duvet days, coffee cards, activity days, high-street vouchers and hotel stays.
The business also takes its most successful staff abroad each summer and offers special training and development based on career goals.
Paul Jackman, chief executive of Thorn Baker Group said: “We are committed to the wellbeing of our employees.
“This is something we all take seriously across the business and I am therefore pleased that our employees consider Thorn Baker to be such a great place to work.”
The company is currently recruiting for new members of staff at its offices in Bristol.
Paul added: “Enabling our staff to specialise, and tailoring their training and development opportunities to their specific career goals, combined with flexible working hours, has increased engagement within the company.”
