UK drinks group Bacardi-Martini has been placed eighth in The Sunday Times' search for the best companies to work for. Other companies from drinks and pubs business to feature in the top 100 included drinks giant Diageo, whisky distillers Glenmorangie and Edrington, Whitbread's TGI Fridays and Travel Inn, plus food wholesaler 3663 First for Foodservice. Of Bacardi, there is a generous socialising budget of £250 per head and activities include themed lunches in the free canteen, and a free gym.
The index said that Bacardi UK managing director Stella David is well thought of; 77 per cent said she was inspiring and 89 per cent said she was full of positive energy.
Many workers said the working atmosphere was fun.
Every worker last year received a 15 per cent profit-related bonus. Maternity pay is 100 per cent for 18 weeks, with a phased return to work.
Staff at Glenmorangie are awarded free shares each year, averaging nearly three per cent of salary. Diageo offers workers a "buy two get one free" share scheme and a profit-related bonus of 7.52 per cent of salary last year.
Managers at TGI Friday's can set up their own incentive schemes like free beer or use of a company car, while staff at Travel Inn, also owned by Whitbread, have annual £3m set aside for training.
Among other benefits, workers at Edrington Group - maker of Famous Grouse - get £180 each year to spend at the company shop.