In addition to a market-leading £1500 bonus paid to all employees, the strategic communication consultancy has introduced a raft of measures to help its team boost their income.

Gabe Winn, CEO and Founder of Blakeney, said: “I’ve never experienced anything quite like the level of inflation we’re seeing at the moment, and it’s an extremely worrying time for our colleagues – particularly those at the beginning of their careers.”

Explaining the company’s approach, Winn continued: “But a one-off payment only helps this month and next month, and maybe a bit after that. The cost of living isn’t going to go back down again for some time – if ever. That’s why we’ve introduced a sustainable approach that gives our team multiple opportunities to boost their income throughout the year at the same time as helping the business to grow.”

In addition to the one-off £1500 payment, Blakeney has doubled the payment it makes to employees who introduce new business, as well as doubling its employee referral bonus.

And, in a break with the industry, Blakeney has announced payments to candidates interviewing to join the business - as well as to the employee who introduces them – if the candidate is invited to interview.

Michael Pooley, Blakeney’s Managing Partner, said: “If an employee puts forward a candidate who passes the initial screening call and is invited to an interview, both the colleague and candidate will receive £200 – regardless of whether or not the candidate ends up joining us.”

Pooley said that the rewards if someone went on to join the company were significantly higher: “If the candidate is successful, the colleague and candidate will both receive an additional £3,000 for someone who becomes an Associate Director, Director, or Partner, and £2,000 for someone who becomes an Account Executive, Senior Account Executive, Account Manager, Senior Account Manager, or Account Director.”

Blakeney was founded in 2016 by former Centrica Corporate Affairs Director, Gabe Winn. The business counts Octopus Energy, Virgin Money, S4C, Secret Cinema, Pennon plc, and some of the biggest names in entertainment amongst its clients, and is known for its market-leading specialism in climate communication.

ENDS