Umega, an Edinburgh lettings and estate agency, was started by two friends whose unhappy experience as tenants in the city taught them how unfriendly and unforgiving renting could be.

It left them with the belief that landlords, tenants, buyers and sellers should be treated with respect, transparency and on a human level, so they set up a company that stands out from those that take a more formal approach. Umega's reputation, they say, is built on "showing customers genuine care and bucketfuls of personality".

Fifteen years after it was founded, Umega is growing faster than ever. Its ethos of taking care of people has translated into a unique culture that is the foundation of the company’s success.

For staff, the working environment provides the same care, respect and transparency that is shown to customers. By showing employees what it’s like to be taken care of, they find it easy to understand what to give to customers, the company believes.

Another way in which Umega is trying to do things differently is through what it offers staff. Alongside discounts and benefits, such as free life insurance and critical illness and travel cover, it offers the chance to have a stake in the business through the staff property fund.

The company invests 20 per cent of its profits in buy-to-let properties which each staff member has a share in. Assuming capital growth in the property over five years and including the accumulated rental profit, the team has a growing financial stake.