A Gateshead firm that lets its staff take the rest of the year off when they hit their financial targets has been praised for its workplace culture.

Northern Gas and Power was ranked third in the UK in the Leadership and Culture at Work: the CMI/Glassdoor Top 20 report, which is based on reviews published online by employees .

The energy management company aims to give its staff December off work by allowing them to finish the year early if they hit their individual financial targets.

Explaining how the company rewards its staff, marketing executive Járlath Da Silva-Cook said: “The guys work hard and we believe that the success they create for us should be shared.

“We have a dedicated events team that do quarterly events for the whole company. A few weeks ago we were in the Boiler Shop for a themed event. This time it was Moulin Rouge themed.

“Every year we get 45 staff and we put on a boat party for them in Magaluf. We take them there and it is all paid for.

“At Christmas especially we want them to finish early and spednd time with their family and spend their well earned money with their friends and family.”

The company’s attitude has impressed members of staff at the firm, who have given the company a total employer rating 4.7 stars on Glassdoor.

One review of the firm said: “Great environment and people around you.

“Northern Gas and Power really work to help you, train you and change your life. They really make you feel part of the NGP family and have made it the best place to work in my experience.”

Another worker also praised the firm for its nine-to-five working day as well as being given bank holidays and weekends off.

Northern Gas and Power was ranked ahead of major firms such as Facebook , Auto Trader, Retokil Initial, and Anglian Water.

Car dealership chain Lookers came in at number 18. The group recently acquired Washington car dealership Jennings for an undisclosed sum and also bought Newcastle’s Benfield Group in 2015.

Lookers chief executive Andy Bruce (left) and Nas Khan OBE, managing director of Jennings Motor Group
Lookers chief executive Andy Bruce (left) and Nas Khan OBE, managing director of Jennings Motor Group

Management consultancy firm Bain & Co and recruitment specialist Investigo ranked first and second, respectively.

In August Glassdoor named Northern Gas and Power the top UK company for work-life balance by Glassdoor.

Rob Wall, head of policy at CMI, said: “The CMI/Glassdoor Top 20 showcases companies with the best management and working cultures in the UK.

“At a time when trust in business is at an all-time low, good management and leadership is more important than ever to build inclusive and inspiring cultures which enhance productivity and promote employee engagement and wellbeing.

“The 20 companies listed here are fantastic examples of the different ways culture can be nurtured, whether that’s through letting employees determine their own hours, lunchtime yoga classes or investing in staff through high quality leadership programmes.”