A Brighton firm which sets about making its employees’ dreams come true has been named as the best place to work in the UK.

Propellernet was awarded first place in the Great Place to Work Institute’s best small business workplace 2013.

The social media and marketing agency was commended for ploughing 5%of profits into social activities as well as fulfilling workers’ bucket list wishes on a monthly basis.

Employees arrived at the Castle Square office on Thursday to find bottles of fizzy wine and thank-you cards announcing the news.

Nikki Gatenby, the firm’s managing director, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the award.

“Our whole ethos from the start has been to make life better for our staff, clients and their clients.

“Our employees are hugely important to us. If they are happy and healthy then they will be motivated, creative and productive. It can’t be just about money.”

One of the firm’s flagship staff initiatives is their dream ball machine. Each employee was asked for their dream experience, which is written down and put inside a ball which is placed in the dream machine.

Each month, provided they hit their targets, a ball is released from the machine and the firm makes a dream come true. As a reward for landing the national gong, the dream ball machine was put into action – but even the best companies in the country suffer technical glitches.

Jim Kirby and Steve Baker were the lucky two picked. But as The Argus photographer poised to capture the magic moment, the machine jammed leaving their dreams frustratingly just out of reach.

The machine was still receiving maintenance when The Argus went to print.

The company also prides itself on providing a string of social activities to boost morale and forge friendships.

Five per cent of all profit is put into a pot which “fun ministers”

decide how to spend.

Among the current range of activities are office yoga, regular massagers, rock climbing and Wii tournaments.

Other little extras which saw the company scoop the top award include a free lunch out the Friday before payday, a scheduled lie-in on birthdays, unlimited breakfasts, regular beach walks and a huge office fruit bowl.

Not surprisingly the company’s staff turnover is 0%.

Jack Hubbard, the company’s chief executive, said “We believe that our consultants are successful when (and because) they are happy and workplace freedom and democracy is key to this.”

Don’t miss The Argus tomorrow to find out Jim Kirby and Steve Baker’s dream experiences.