Top 50 companies to work with: 2023

Thrive in 2023! Whether you’re looking for a new gig or to pivot into a different industry, we’ve put together this list of 50 top companies to work with.

The list is formulated by using insights about the popularity of companies and the jobs they post on The Dots, topped off with a dash of our team’s wisdom and a good mix of brilliant charities and values-driven companies.

Be sure to follow your favourites to stay up to date with their events and all-important job opportunities!

Launched in 2021, 180 The Strand is a brutalist building that has been transformed into a dynamic hub for the creative community. Home to some of the best brands in our industry - think TikTok, Dazed and Soho House, just booking a meeting in the building feels like career gold.

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Adidas Group

Adidas has always been a pioneer of innovative partnerships. Away from the headlines, our highlight of 2022 was the launch of ‘The Originals Creator Network’ with GUAP, which supports a new generation of creative talent – we can’t wait to see what happens in 2023!

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Airbnb

As many of us were still wondering what ‘hybrid’ working meant, Airbnb launched its ‘work from anywhere policy’ in 2022 and CHANGED THE GAME. A business that cares as much about employee experience as customer experience. Yes please!

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AKQA

An agency renowned for its groundbreaking work and client roster that includes the likes of Nike, H&M and Sony, AKQA is consistently among the world’s most awarded agencies. One of the best places to work for innovators, and in our experience, the friendliest agency in London.

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AllBright

Founded by women for women, AllBright delivers expectational networking opportunities, events, and courses to improve career opportunities and funding for its members. We particularly love their Pitch Days, which support female founders in getting the funding they deserve.

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Amnesty International UK

Amnesty International's dedication to social justice around the world has transformed it into one of the world's largest grassroots human rights organisations. Highlights from 2022 included a global campaign to confront the ‘unprecedented worldwide threat to the right to protest.’

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Apple

With a fresh store opening in Brompton Road and a partnership with the Southbank Centre, Apple embraced London’s reputation as a cultural hotspot last year. This year, we’re counting down the days to their brand new office opening at Battersea Power Station and the Change Means Business series (in partnership with The Dots) to support aspiring business owners, launching next month. Also, keep an eye out for Today at Apple’s regular online/in-store events – helping you to learn, create, and be inspired.

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B Lab

The B Corp movement is one of the most important of our lifetime, built on the simple fact that business impacts and serves more than just shareholders. B Lab has welcomed over 5,000 businesses across 80 countries and 155 industries into their network – we love their vision to build businesses that are better for people and the planet.

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BBC

As one of the best-known brands in the world, the BBC is committed to reflect and represent the diversity of the UK. We were delighted to see them prioritise £112 of its commissioning budget towards diverse and inclusive content last year to fund and foster exceptional creative talent. We’re even more excited about the work we’ll get to enjoy as a result.

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BRICKS Magazine

Through BRICKS magazine, trailblazing creative talent in fashion, music, art, and culture is connected with industry professionals, while climate activists, Black Lives Matters organisers, and trans rights activists have a platform to bring their voices to the forefront.

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Boiler Room

Boiler Room started as a webcam taped to a wall. Since then, their ‘Open Dancefloor’ policy has connected club culture to the wider world through parties, film and video. We rate their innovative approach to creating truly accessible club experiences for everyone.

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Bompas & Parr

Globally recognised as the leading expert in multi-sensory experience design, look out for some of the most creative roles in town. 2022 highlights included Diplomatic Dining – a study dedicated to the dining tables of serving diplomats and their kitchens.

Business of Fashion

What started as a simple fashion blog back in 2007 is now the leading digital authority on the global fashion industry. The Business of Fashion is a sartorial powerhouse for those that need the news, analysis and network to get ahead in fashion.

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CHANEL

Since taking the helm at Chanel, Virginie Viard has brought an element of surprise to the fashion house. Last year welcomed a fresh focus on sustainability and the brand's first show in the creative hub of Dakar. We can’t wait to see what 2023 has in store!

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Condé Nast

2022 saw Condé Nast continue its transformation from a storied magazine company to a leading multi-platform player. Expect a constant flurry of roles across the board, from its game-changing titles such as British Vogue, GQ, WIRED and Vanity Fair.

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COS

The forward-thinking fashion brand's dedication to timeless designs, sustainability and craftsmanship cement it as a brand to watch this year as consumers become increasingly eco-conscious.

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D&AD

Existing to stimulate, enable and award creative excellence in design and advertising, D&AD celebrates brilliance by running various schemes for emerging creatives such as through their New Blood programme and annual festivals. Keep your eyes peeled for the next cohort of D&AD Shift with Google – the free night school, for self-made creatives without a university degree.

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Dazed Media

A global community of risk takers, opinion formers and culture creators, 2022 saw the launch of Dazed Club – a membership program inviting you into the Dazed world. Dazed Club also gives insight into the process of industry talents, helps accelerate your creative life and grow your creative circles.

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Design Museum

The UK’s design centre runs tons of extra initiatives and programmes on top of their groundbreaking exhibitions. We are always astounded by the Design Museum’s ability to connect and support a new generation of designers.

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Fanbytes

A team of social media and influencer marketing experts helping brands to engage Gen Z audiences in the most interactive ways on the planet. In 2022, Fanbytes announced the exciting news that it had today been acquired by digital-first agency Brainlabs.

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Founders Forum

Since its founding seventeen years ago, Founders Forum continues to empower entrepreneurs across the globe to champion the positive impact of technology.

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Frieze

Recognised as a world-renowned platform for modern and contemporary art, Frieze continues to innovate and support the arts community, including with its Frieze 91 programme that provides access to the communities and art that is shaping cutting-edge contemporary culture.

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Google

Keep a look out for Google Creative Lab’s annual ‘Creative Lab Five call-out, which invites exceptional creatives to apply for a one-year paid gig and collaboration. As a Fiver, you'll work on projects big and small, be paired with a mentor and work closely with other creatives.

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Greenpeace

A green and peaceful future is set for the horizon with the help of the Greenpeace movement. 2022 has been a tough year with climate change, but we’re celebrating Greenpeace victories, powered by individual donations, dedicated volunteers and millions of supporters.

GUAP Magazine

GUAP is a media company dedicated to discovering, showcasing and nurturing emerging and underrepresented creatives and communities. In a few short years, GUAP has quickly become the blueprint for diverse fresh faces and talent in the creative sector.

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Havas Group

Making a meaningful difference to brands, businesses and people, Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups. Aiming to drive positive change in the world, Havas launched Havas Impact+, its CSR programme which amongst many other things, aims to reduce its carbon footprint by more than 60% by 2025.

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It's Nice That

As a passionate champion of the most exciting creative work and believing that creative inspiration is for everyone, 2022 saw It’s Nice That collab once again with Today at Apple for an event series ‘New World’ which explored the power of creativity. Keep an eye out for more exciting things to come!

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Lego

Committed to building a sustainable future, LEGO has recently expanded its manufacturing practices, revealing its new prototype made from recycled plastic. From sales to product design and brand management, there are countless opportunities at this wonderland of playtime nostalgia.

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Monocle

The go-to briefing on international affairs, business, culture and design, Monocle caters to a globally-minded audience of readers who are hungry for opportunities and experiences beyond their national borders. Look out for a myriad of roles at Monocle spanning its magazine, 24-hour radio station, website, retailer and media brand.

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National Theatre

The not-for-profit performing arts powerhouse continues to develop and share extraordinary tales with audiences throughout the UK and around the globe. Making theatre accessible to everyone, 2023 will see the NT undertake its biggest school tour in 2023 with a new production touring 11 locations throughout England.

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Nike

Pioneers of groundbreaking sports fashion innovation, Nike recently announced it is investing in inclusive community organisations across Europe to address inequality in sports. Nike is also helping create a more equitable future by supporting a more inclusive community in its key cities and employee backyards.

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Pinterest

Pinterest’s trend report offers a window into the future, supporting creative business to plan for the future. 2023 forecasts include gemini hair, sci-fi fits and a chance of showers. Head here to find out more.

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RANKIN

RANKIN CREATIVE is an independent creative agency established by photographer, publisher and film director, Rankin. 2022 saw the launch of THE UNSEEN, an online community initiative that showcases the contributions of everyone whose content, accounts, promotions or adverts have been removed or shadowbanned.

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Roundhouse

The hub of music and entertainment where artists and young creatives can grow and create extraordinary works of art, through music, media and performance. Helping to shape the next-gen, 2023 will see the opening of Roundhouse Works, the latest addition to its creative campus for young people.

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Selfridges

Founded on the bold vision of Harry Selfridge, the iconic retailer continues to lead the shopping revolution. Its commitment to sustainability, brought to life in Project Earth has bowled us over. Follow Selfridges on The Dots to access their brilliant events and creative opportunities.

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Shelter

With covid’s unprecedented impact on homelessness, Shelter's significance as the go-to charity to support those experiencing housing difficulties is more important now than ever. More than 1 million people a year seek Shelter’s advice and support.

Soho House & Co

As well as the continued growth of its social impact programmes (including Soho Futures and Soho Careers), in 2023, Soho House is aiming for 5% of its membership intake to be part of creative access programming, which will also see 200 projects being sponsored for emerging creatives and entrepreneurs.

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Soho Works

From helping its members make meaningful connections to expanding their creative horizons, Soho Works is the place for businesses and creative thinkers to come together, share ideas and do their best work.

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Southbank Centre

Striving to make the arts accessible to everyone, 2022 saw Southbank Centre launch a pioneering partnership to support Black creatives in the UK. As part of the partnership, Apple and Southbank Centre support budding Black talent in the UK, helping them to explore their creative potential and prepare for extensive and thriving careers.

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Spotify

Last year the world’s most popular streaming service partnered with the Inevitable Foundation to support and empower podcasters with disabilities. Learn more about the program and apply here. The first round of recipients will be named this Spring.

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Squarespace

The leaders of web design and development, 2022 saw Squarespace continue to support businesses with a host of new tools, plus the launch of Fluid Engine, an evolution of its world-leading page editing system that reimagines drag-and-drop technology and unlocks creative possibilities.

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TATE

The UK’s staple of culture (Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Liverpool and St.Ives) is one of its biggest attractions, running tons of extra initiatives and programmes on top of its blockbuster exhibitions, including Tate Collective, Routes in Network and Tate Lates.

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The BRIT School

Thirty years after its opening, BRIT School is regarded as the UK's top performing and creative arts school. To mark the occasion, a homecoming event was held in July 2022 to welcome former students and fundraise for the BRIT Transforms campaign.

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The British Library

The British Library is not only one of the world's largest libraries, but it is also an institution that is taking steps to reduce gender pay gaps. According to the latest figures, the gap stands at 2.29%, versus 7.41% last year. In comparison with the national average, it stands at 12.61% lower.

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The Conduit

Professional community The Conduit is a collaborative and intuitive space for entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and business members who bring together knowledge and sustainable positive impact. 2022 saw The Conduit form a number of impact-led partnerships with organisations that were keen to learn from and contribute to its community of changemakers.

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The Guardian

The home of fearless, independent journalism, The Guardian continues to deliver groundbreaking investigating, current affairs and business stories from around the world. If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, do check out Guardian Live’s events and masterclasses.

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The Stack World

Through its online platform and networking workshops, Stack World powers women's communities and provides tools and confidence to build new peer circles and develop leadership skills. The Stack World Conference 2022 – sponsored by Squarespace – included 24 speakers, 16 round table discussions and programming covering equality, technology, economics and sustainability.

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TikTok

The social media platform has undeniably emerged as the leader in influencing music and product trends. In 2022, TikTok launched its ‘Mental Well-being Comes First’ global campaign featuring tools and resources to raise awareness around mental well-being conversations and encourage its community to share their stories and experiences concerning their mental well-being.

Trouva

With a belief that independent shopping should be available to all, Trouva strives to find the UK and Europe’s best independent brick-and-mortar boutiques to sell on its platform – with a lens on shopping choices that are better for the planet.

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Universal Music UK

From A&R to design, digital, and marketing, it’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music UK who help make it one of Britain’s leading music companies. Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within this innovative business that leads in everything it does. Be sure to check out Universal’s brilliant Creative Differences handbook for embracing neurodiversity in the creative industries.

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University of The Arts London (UAL)

The “world’s biggest factory for making trouble" (Grayson Perry, UAL Chancellor), UAL is one university, made up of six colleges and 19,000+ students from everywhere. Fostering the creators and innovators of tomorrow, UAL is top two in the world for Art and Design.

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V&A

The world’s leading museum of art and design, with its roots going back to 1852, the V&A continues to evolve with plans to reopen its east London children's museum in summer 2023, and a further two sites in 2024 and 2025 which will create a new arts, innovation and education hub in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

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Veuve Clicquot

Named after the first woman to run a Champagne house, Veuve Clicquot is synonymous with entrepreneurial women. The Bold by Veuve Clicquot Awards celebrates pioneering women in business and inspires a fresh generation to do the same. We can definitely raise a glass to that!

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Warner Music Group

Warner Music is home to extraordinary talent, partnering with some of the most exciting, influential and innovative artists of our time, to provide them with industry-leading in-house expertise.

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We Are Social

Thanks to unparalleled global research expertise that helps it unearth social insights, We Are Social creates culturally relevant media and campaigns that spark conversation and drive action.

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Wolf & Badger

The B Corp-certified home to more than 2000 independent brands from around the world, creating a forward-thinking global community built upon the age-old pillars of skill and craftsmanship.

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WOO

Launched in April 2022, the ITV-backed wellness media brand focuses on plugging sustainable culture and lifestyle to Generation Z. Its ambition is to utilise culture and entertainment to foster a social influence that is perpetual.

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Zinc VC

Zinc VC backs exceptional talent to build new commercial solutions that solve the most pressing societal issues. Look out for Zinc’s upcoming Venture Builders; full-time, 12-month programs that build brand new companies to tackle the biggest social challenges across the world.