BEST PLACES TO WORK

Summary:

Launch was founded in 2001 as the UK’s first ever ‘project’ PR agency. The idea was to apply the ‘do it now and get it right’ focus needed on a project, to every aspect of a client’s business. ‘Launch is its people’, says founder Johnny Pitt. ‘The aim of the management is to be totally transparent and honest, which may explain why ‘spreading the Launch love’ is an expression used by the team for the feeling you get when you become ‘a Launcher’. Staff can progress rapidly within the agency if they have the skills and ability. Group Account Director Katie Warren, who joined the company following a work experience placement, says: ‘Launch has given me amazing opportunities, from the clients I have worked with, the training I have received and the support I have been given to allow me to meet my ambitions.’ CSR is a priority for the agency and it has a written policy. Staff are encouraged to get out into the local community and raise money for charity, and environmental initiatives such as a company recycling scheme and energy-saving policies are in place.

Benefits:

Flexible hours, working from home, childcare vouchers, private healthcare, subsidised sports and gym membership, bonuses, sabbaticals and career breaks, flexible benefits package, performance-related pay, social clubs, away days, creativity awards, social budget, ride to work scheme, Friday drinks and monthly team lunches, new business and recruitment bonuses, season ticket loans, pension.

Training and development:

The Launch Academy is a designated team, overseen by the agency’s People and Practice Executive, who runs a weekly programme for the agency. This includes both internal and external training, in areas such as writing skills, media relations, online PR and personal development and career goals. Staff members are appraised twice a year and a voluntary mentor scheme has just been launched, which has been fully taken up by agency members.

Work/life balance:

Launch offers working practices including working from home, flexible hours and childcare vouchers for working parents. The agency also houses a ‘Launch pad’, an apartment complete with shower, kitchen and comfy sofas. Staff at the agency can join Launch clubs including book club, theatre club, wine club and film club.

Graduate recruitment and new joiners:

Launch holds two graduate recruitment days a year for young talent interested in pursuing a career in PR. The company’s mentoring scheme sees more senior members of staff help more junior team members focus on their career ambitions and develop them at the agency.