We’re delighted to see that we’ve made it into the Sunday Times 2017 Best Small Companies to Work for list. We came in at number 62 in the top 100. This represents an improvement on the last time we took part, which was in 2009, when we were placed at 74.

Here’s what they say:

“There is a strong sense of family (at W+K), an 85% positive score for this question. Office early birds and night owls benefit from flexible working hours, and subsidised football, yoga and massages cater for wellbeing needs. Such incentives have proved popular with employees, who feel cared for as individuals (84%) and love their jobs (85%). They also appreciate a ban on sending work-related emails out of office hours, allowing everyone to switch off and enjoy their evenings and weekends.

Generous staff are keen to give back and last year raised £37,000 for nominated charity St Joseph’s Hospice, in memory of a much-loved colleague. The next generation is also at the forefront of the agency’s plans, with pupils from local schools invited to participate in workshops where paid internships are up for grabs. Such charitable activities are encouraged at W+K (92%) and create a great sense of pride about working here among employees (88%).”

W+K Deputy MD Helen Andrews commented: ‘It’s brilliant to hear that so many of our people love working here. We’re very proud to be included on this list and we’re pleased that the work we are doing to create a positive and supportive environment is appreciated.’

Other agencies and media companies in the top 100 include The Seven Stars at number 16, and Elvis at 58. The complete list is visible on the Sunday Times website.

In March, W+K London will open Makers’ Residency, a curated creative work space at the office gallery space. We’ll collaborate with local makers and provide work space for them to create, exhibit and trade; as well as celebrating and sharing their talent with the public. The first artist to join Makers’ Residency is Daniel David Freeman, a mixed media artist based in London.

Dan has previously illustrated for Frank Ocean and Adidas, designed T-shirt graphics for 4ad and Boiler Room. He has also created animations for Converse and exhibited works on paper at two solo exhibitions at London’s former Beach Gallery. His latest work combines his interests in East Asian textiles and military folk art traditions. The work on show will consist of a series of converted and adapted ready made flags, vintage military fatigues and antique handmade Japanese kimonos. Dan has used embroidery, acrylic paint and enamel paint to create a series of (some more than others) ‘wearable’ artworks under the moniker ‘Expensive Shit.’ This ongoing project also includes Japanese fishing boat flags and a series of ‘battle flags’ from the Vietnam war. By embroidering these formerly functional pieces with found icons and imagery the artist has used a kind of textile collage to elevate them into works of art.

Makers’ Residency will be located in the large window on Hanbury Street at Wieden+Kennedy’s London office. Passers-by will be able to view the work space from the street throughout the residency. The gallery space will be available to view only by appointment and accompanied by the artist.