RESTAURANT AND BAR GROUPS WITH ONE TO 10 UNITS

Winner Ego Restaurants
Employees 180

Judges were impressed by Ego's commitment to training delivery, and in particular its "dignity at work" policy, designed to create a positive working environment. Once a year, restaurant managers and head chefs are taken to Italy or Spain to learn about food and wine.

Restaurant managers are given autonomy to set incentive schemes that encourage good customer service. Six-monthly appraisals keep managers abreast of training issues, work-life balance and career goals.

"By recruiting talented and enthusiastic people we have helped to create a positive environment for everyone to flourish," comments operations director Jonathan Poole.

Commended Peach Pub Co
Employees 150

"A beacon in the dark in this industry" was how one judge summed up the Peach Pub Co. Each year, Peach plants 3,000 trees in Africa to offset carbon emissions, and works with primary schools to promote healthy eating for kids. Innovative working practices include adventure days for chefs, trips to suppliers for staff to learn about food and wine, and profit-share for all managers. Last year, 45 staff and partners were taken to Spain as a thank-you for their hard work.