Everyone counts at Wragge & Co, demonstrated by the fact that the Birmingham-based legal firm has featured on The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list since the surveys began in 2001.

Wragge is a caring meritocracy with a focus on personal development and a commitment to charity. Founded in 1834, the company advises clients worldwide in both the private and public sectors. Services include dispute resolution, real estate, corporate, human resources, finance and technology law. Employees say colleagues care for one another, giving an 80% positive score, and would strongly recommend working for the organisation (81%).

About 58% of the 1,148 staff earn more than £25,000 and a quarter make £55,000-plus. Flexible benefits include performance-related pay, a profit-related bonus, childcare support, extra holidays, discounted services and a concierge service. There is a contributory pension scheme, with the company putting in 5%. Maternity leave is above the statutory minimum, with the initial six weeks at full pay, and new dads receive two weeks’ paternity leave at full pay.

Wragge employees feel they receive fair pay for their responsibilities and believe they are paid fairly in comparison to colleagues (both questions eliciting a 63% positive response). They are also happy with their pay and benefits (66%).

Related Internet Links

• Company website

• Wragge & Co's entry in 2007

• Wragge & Co'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

• Best Small Companies to Work For 2008

• Highlights from the awards ceremony

Staff are involved at all levels of corporate giving, including selecting the firm’s charity of the year. This year it is KidsOut, which helps disadvantaged youngsters. There are opportunities to volunteer for good causes too. Employees sit on the eco team that aims to reduce the company’s environmental impact, with the energy needed to power the main office coming from renewable sources, and 75% recycled paper used. People feel the company makes a positive difference to the world (a relatively high score of 59%), that it gives back to the community (69%) and that it works hard to protect the environment (72%).

A brochure is regularly sent to all staff so that they can plan their training in conjunction with managers. Senior staff design and deliver much of the technical training, backed by a budget in excess of £2m, with a specific investment of £700,000 in the past year on leadership development. Everyone has online learning access at their desks.

People feel that their work is stimulating (71%), that their jobs are good for personal growth and that the experience they gain is valuable for the future (both 78%).

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• Best 100 Tables