Architects like to be inspired – and after 10 years with Assael, they get two round-the-globe plane tickets and an extra 20 days’ holiday in which to make the most of them. The London-based architecture firm works on a variety of residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings, picking up awards for its designs as well as its approach to staff.

Everyone is encouraged to spend at least one working day a year donating their expertise to a good cause and Assael provides exceptional matching of funds raised – up to 1% of turnover, or 10% of profits – £33,000 last year. This year staff will help to rebuild homes in China and India. Accordingly, people feel the company, set up by managing director John Assael 13 years ago, puts enough back into the community (79%), say the way that it operates doesn’t conflict with their values (84%) and that support of worthy causes is not driven by a desire for publicity (76%).

Half of the 74 staff earn more than £35,000 a year and people feel fairly paid compared to others (73%) and for their responsibilities (74%). There is a low-stress culture (85%) and employees are happy with the balance of work and home life – the second-highest score at 85%, see table below.

John Assael takes an involved approach in training (with a budget of £750 a year a head). In keeping with a character-full company, some of the personal goals set can be unusual – buying a classic Alfa Romeo car, for example, or getting married.

Related Internet Links

• Company website

• Assael's entry in 2007

• Assael Architecture's entry in 2006

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

• Highlights from the awards ceremony

Explore Best 100 Companies

• Best 100 Tables