Data Connection is a dynamic workplace, eschewing bureaucracy in favour of flexibility and fun. Set up in 1981 by chairman Ian S Ferguson and six former IBM colleagues, it is now a world leader in software development.

Based in London, with offices in Chester, Edinburgh and America, the firm — which finished third in our survey last year — has again scored highly in all areas. Staff are treated exceptionally. All 264 can work flexibly (at their manager’s discretion), though typically hours are longer than average: from 45 to 55, dependant on role.

For the wellbeing of both parties, managers look after just three to five people — consequently 83% of staff say their manager cares about them, the fifth highest score across all 100 best companies. The same number can be themselves within the team (a result bettered by just three firms) — not surprising, giving the bonding opportunities afforded by a £1,488 per head social fund, and ski trips to Switzerland.

More than four-fifths of staff would miss Data Connection if they left, and few do: almost three-quarters have worked here for longer than three years, and the chairman is involved in all recruitment decisions. Men outnumber women by nearly four to one — encouragingly, a fair proportion represent both genders at supervisor/manager, and senior manager/director levels.

Every member of staff is well rewarded and developed. A trainee software developer will receive up to 50 days of their manager’s time in their first year for specific training. The profit-share scheme guarantees all staff, from cleaners to MDs, an extra 7.5% of their salary, and performance-related pay can comprise a large part of their overall financial package.

Just one company has fewer staff than the 15% at Data Connection who say they would leave tomorrow if offered another job and there is a genuine affection for colleagues; 87% have confidence in the abilities of others in their team and 82% say their manager cares about how satisfied they are in their jobs. On both counts, again only one company scores better.

Everybody gets 25 days’ annual leave, life and permanent health insurance, or a cash alternative for the latter two options.

Data Connection is also generous externally, with 2% of its annual profit (£160,000 in 2003/04) given to local and national charities. Staff appreciate this: just one other company in our survey records a higher score for putting something back into the community — 80% believe Data Connection does enough in this regard — and for supporting worthy causes without one eye on the good publicity it will engender (72%).

Explore Best 100 Companies

• Best 100 Tables