Looking for a great place to work? Then you could do well to consider Asda, Bacardi-Martini, Bettys & Taylors, Bulmers and Iceland which have been rated the most staff-friendly employers in the UK grocery industry. The five feature in the 50 best companies to work for in 2001 ­ a listing compiled by the Great Place to Work Institute with Department of Trade and Industry backing. The institute followed DTI guidelines on best modern business practice to benchmark 1,000 companies of all sizes. The 50 organisations on the shortlist were seen to be harnessing the talents of employees by developing a relationship based on fairness. It examined whether staff understood the business so that change was readily accepted and not feared, how clearly objectives were set, as how well employees were encouraged to use their initiative. The final companies also had to demonstrate their capabilities in developing the workforce through training and work experience. Bacardi-Martini impressed researchers with its perks, which include an internet café and 33% company performance related bonus scheme. It was also commended for allowing one in five employees to work from home. The company's marketing director Morris Doyle said: "We have two assets, our brand and our people, and it is our job to ensure we recruit and retain excellent employees." Over at Bulmers in Hereford, union conveyor Bob Hardwick said: "Working together has long been the guiding principle at Bulmers, bringing commercial success and personal job satisfaction." Bulmers is run as a single status organisation, with all offices open plan after a £4.5m refurbishment. It says that removes the "them and us" mentality. The company has a health and fitness centre for employees and a personal learning centre where families are welcome. {{PEOPLE MOVES }}

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