Staff at commercial property consultancy NB Real Estate know they have landed themselves a good deal. Learning, creativity and change are the characteristics of this company, whose employees give it an 81% positive score for the job being good for their personal growth and believe the experience they gain is valuable for their future, earning an 80% positive score.

The ambitious London-based organisation encourages its 357 employees to reach their goals and sets no boundaries for personal development. One member of staff is currently on sabbatical training for the Beijing Olympics and senior managers are encouraged to undertake courses at leading business schools. A development programme for everyone was launched last year, offering a combination of courses and master classes. All but a very few of the senior management team have risen through the ranks and their average age is 44, ensuring that interaction between all levels of staff is good.

No more than two steps separate an employee from senior management. Nonetheless promotion procedures are rigorous, with candidates nominated at least 12 months in advance. They then take part in an assessment day that includes leadership and teamwork exercises.

Employees say colleagues are fun to work with (83%) and care a lot about each other (85%, a top 20 score). They have confidence in the leadership skills of the senior management team (80%), think their managers are good listeners (77%, another top 20 score) and say their bosses help them fulfil their potential (72%).

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Turning up the Heat pays off

Strong training and a sense that work is to be enjoyed add up to Heat powering past its rivals into top spot this year

Background

• Hats off to great leadership

• Getting the message across loud and clear

• Fly high with the X Factor

• Why it pays to know what you’re doing

Background

• Charity wins top small company award

• Special awards for best practice

• Rules of engagement

• 100 Best SME's to work for 2008

Multimedia

• Best Small Companies to Work For 2008

• Highlights from the awards ceremony

Quality, teamwork and innovation are part of the company’s culture and there are events from awaydays and workshops to drinks. All staff attend a challenge that sets two ocean-going yachts against each other for 24 hours.

The firm expects staff to work hard but does not foster a long hours culture. Its offices in London are locked at 9pm, when everyone is made to leave the building, and it closes at 4.30pm during the school summer holidays.

The commitment to others goes beyond the workforce. NB Real Estate takes an active role in raising funds for charity and supports the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. It works hard to be green and staff praise its efforts to protect the environment (81%, a top five score).

Perks include fresh fruit, subsidised gym membership, childcare vouchers, life assurance and a non-contributory pension scheme.

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