North East Businesses Shine Bright: Celebrated as the Best Places to Work in the UK for 2025
In an impressive showcase of commitment to employee well-being, three businesses from the North East have been recognized among the Best Places to Work in the UK for 2025 by The Sunday Times. This accolade emphasizes the companies that prioritize happiness, fulfillment, and support for their employees, an essential quality in today's competitive labor market.
Recognizing Excellence in Employee Engagement
The Sunday Times’ list features 530 businesses from across the UK, selected through an extensive employee engagement survey conducted by WorkL. Companies are evaluated based on various factors, including staff feedback on reward and recognition, employee empowerment, and overall job satisfaction. Achieving a high engagement score is a rigorous and telling indication of a company's workplace culture.
Highlights from the North East
Among the recognized organizations is Newcastle's Edwin Group, a firm focused on education support services. For the third consecutive year, they celebrated their victory as employees report feeling valued and empowered. Liam Roberts, the CEO, shared, “At Edwin, we have built a culture of togetherness which shines through. Our success comes from the commitment of a workforce that cares deeply about what they do.”
Also making the list is Robson Laidler, an accountancy and business advisory firm noted for becoming the first in the North East to achieve B Corp certification in 2021. They have recently implemented a four-day work week, which has resulted in over 80% of employees feeling less stressed. Co-managing director Amy Park expressed pride in creating a work environment where employees genuinely feel valued and supported.
A Broader Implication for the Business World
The recognition of such firms highlights a pivotal trend in the corporate world: investing in employee experience leads to tangible rewards. Organizations that foster a supportive work environment often see increased employee retention, decreased recruitment costs, and a boost in overall productivity. This year’s awardees illustrate that a positive workplace culture doesn’t have to be costly; it can thrive from innovative and employee-centric practices.
As Jon Yeomans, business editor of The Sunday Times, states, “Happy workers make for good businesses.” The insight shared by various leaders reinforces the idea that companies focusing on employee satisfaction not only create healthier work environments but also enhance their operational success.
This recognition serves as a commendable reminder of the power of employee engagement and well-being, ultimately setting an exemplary standard for businesses striving for excellence in the modern economy.
