Best Employers Eastern Region
2021 Accreditations
In addition to awards in key categories, the Best Employers Eastern Region initiative also confers accreditations on organisations that have performed particularly well. These are in recognition of the efforts made by those organisations, in the light of the survey, to bring about continuous improvement and to show they are listening to their employees. The accreditations come in three categories: Platinum, Gold and Silver
Platinum Beckett IMG www.beckettinvest.com
Beckett Investment Management Group is an award-winning firm that has been supporting clients for over 33 years through independent advice, employee benefits and wealth management. We have 85 staff who work from four offices across the East of England.
An outstanding employer who fully understands and is fully committed to engagement at all levels which is demonstrated by exceptionally high employee engagement score and survey participation score. The judges scored Becketts highly in every category and employee well-being, individual development and comprehensive reward and recognition strategies stood out.
Judges' comment
Platinum Cambridge Enterprise www.enterprise.cam.ac.uk
Cambridge Enterprise is a subsidiary of the University of Cambridge, and we support academics to commercialise their ideas. We offer expert advice and support in commercialisation and social enterprise, including offering academics consultancy services, help with the protection, development, and licensing of ideas, and new company/ social enterprise creation.
Another outstanding employer where the judges recognised the company is doing lots of the right things in every area to ensure great employee engagement. The Company has a clearly articulated mission and facilitates communications and feedback from the bottom up as well as cascading information down. It has a sophisticated training and development offering and a clear career framework and proactively tracks the effectiveness of employee development plans. It does lots on reward and recognition and on employee wellbeing and is to be highly commended on welcoming neurodiversity and working to be fully inclusive.
Judges' comment
Platinum IPRS Group www.iprsgroup.com
IPRS Group is an award-winning independent clinical organisation delivering a wide range of services throughout the UK. The group are proud to support their colleagues and ensure they are at the forefront of everything we do as an organisation.
IPRS is a company that really values its 200 strong workforce. Everyone is driven by the company purpose to Help People. Whether it's through its reward and recognition, great communication, CSR or wellbeing initiatives one feels that employee engagement really matters. All systems and processes are aligned to ensure a great employee experience. Of particular note is the importance the company places on L&D and they have also made very good strides on Inclusion and Diversity where there are some really concrete tools in place to become a truly inclusive company where everyone feels they belong.
Judges' comment
Platinum Lighthouse Group www.lighthouse-group.co.uk
We deliver life-changing leadership and management development. Our mission is to rid the world of poor managers, one at a time! Whether you are starting out in your management career or striving to attain the next level we can support you and your business in reaching your goals.
I loved the fact that they went and asked their people about their thoughts when they were pulling together their submission. The only award entry to reference doing this, it was great!
Judges' comment
Platinum Policy Bee www.policybee.co.uk
PolicyBee is a specialist, professional insurance broker with a knack for covering freelancers, sole traders, small businesses and charities. We're independent and we're digital. Over the years we've helped tens of thousands of businesses and charities get the insurance they need - quickly and easily, and without breaking the bank.
There was a strong sense in this submission of investment into the development of their employees as well as attention to the wellbeing of their colleagues, not just through an outsourced service provision but by listening to others in the team.
Judges' comment
Platinum Power Testing powertesting.co.uk
Power Testing is a family company that started in 1966, supplying our skilled people to solve our clients electrical engineering issues, keeping their power on and keeping everyone safe.
Really nice entrant into the awards, the values that were front and centre of the award entry rang true throughout the submission. Authentic and genuinely appeared to care for their people in an environment where this may not always be the easiest to encourage engagement (and the dog on the front of the monthly magazine is adorable).
Judges' comment
Platinum Tiger Eye www.tigereyeconsulting.com
Specialists in document, email and knowledge management, Tiger Eye support professional services firms to work smarter with their data. Renowned for the team's unparalleled technical knowledge and exceptional customer service, Tiger Eye delivers 'expertise, from the team that listens' through software solutions, custom development services, technical support, training and more.
Some of the L&D activities in this submission were particularly interesting. A rest or learning day per week for everyone is a bold move and it is good to see a business committed to trying new approaches.
Judges' comment
Gold Arthur Rank Hospice Charity www.arhc.org.uk
We care for more than 4,100 patients each year at our Hospice in Cambridge, the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech and in patients' own homes
There is clear intent from the Board and the management to harvest feedback from their employees, demonstrating an openness of mind to listen, support and pro-actively seek to improve the working experience of everyone. Given that the ARH is a charity, operating in a very challenging sector during a pandemic, they have striven to be the best that they can be, given their budget limitations. Alongside good policies for personal advancement for each employee, it is perhaps the “little things” – the afternoon tea invites from the senior managers to the employees, the gifts on return from furlough and the provision of “Arthur's shed” to provide space for overwrought individuals to chill, that have so impressed us. It spells an atmosphere of genuine kindness and says, “We care”.
Judges' comment
Gold Big C www.big-c.co.uk
Big C, established in Norfolk in 1980, is your local cancer charity. Through our support, research, equipment and education, we make a difference to the lives of local people affected by cancer. Big C has four support and information centres across Norfolk and provides support by telephone and online.
The Big C scored well in terms of overall engagement and survey participation and the judges gave them solid scores in all categories. Unsurprisingly the Big C operates a clear set of values and has used motivational maps to understand the engagement drivers of its employees. Its standout is its commitment to inclusion and diversity, particularly in encouraging the recruitment for those with disabilities and focus on learning and individual progression.
Judges' comment
Gold Concertus www.concertus.co.uk
We are a passionate multi-disciplinary design and property consultancy. Our teams work collaboratively to provide innovative solutions which are sustainable and inspirational. There is a true family culture, with all employees on the same journey to see the business develop its award-winning services within the public and private sectors.
Concertus received significant external accreditation from their staff. A strong people focus and a sense of community come across in the application. There are clear development pathways for all and an emphasis on wellbeing.
Judges' comment
Gold CPL www.cpl.co.uk
CPL creates and delivers strategic content marketing that inspires people and brings them together around our clients' brands and organisations. In short, we help people belong. We have a reputation for excellence among membership bodies, commercial organisations, government and charities. We make it our business to understand what they want to achieve, so we can create content that works.
Strong leadership from the MD provides a clear personal connection to him and the wider exec team. A really strong emphasis on the wellbeing agenda.
Judges' comment
Gold Lovewell Blake www.lovewell-blake.co.uk
As well as being the oldest accountancy firm retaining it's original name, Lovewell Blake is also one of the most innovative in serving clients. With specialist teams covering the needs of particular professions and business sectors, we serve more than 10,000 businesses, private and charitable clients across a wide range of sectors throughout East Anglia and beyond.
This is an all-round very good employer, focused on developing, recognising, and rewarding their staff regardless of level or status. Lovell Blake really seek to listen to their staff and take concrete actions to address any issues raised by them, whether it is from the employee survey or from general feedback. They have put in place a number of things that really stand out. They invest heavily in L&D from CPD to apprenticeships where 1 in 3 employees are on a programme. Managers really take the time to say “Thank you” for a job well done and they have a number of bonuses in place for great client work and “refer a friend”. D&I is a big driver for the firm and they have already put in place some actions and have further plans. There is a real sense that this is a company that really wants to improve and be truly an employer of choice.
Judges' comment
Gold LSI Architects www.lsiarchitects.co.uk
LSI Architects is an AJ100, award-winning architectural practice with around 70 people, including Architects, Architectural Technologists and support staff, based in London and Norwich. We seek to create sustainable, innovative, valuable and positive architecture that improves lives, builds communities and enhances society, or as we put it – Life Touching Design.
Strong external accreditation from staff. A focus on values is clearly recognised across the organisation. An internal talent development programme which ensures both commitment and retention.
Judges' comment
Gold ML Financial Associates www.mlfinancialassociates.co.uk
We are a small, tight knit team of experts and administrators dedicated to providing a bespoke and tailored service for the precise needs of all our clients, whether that is retirement or portfolio management or any other financial management expertise We deliver peoples financial objectives and make dreams come true
Active encouragement for people who are driven and want to grow their careers, the inclusion of the story about an administrator who was encouraged to develop themselves and become a qualified independent financial advisor was nice to see.
Judges' comment
Gold N-ERGISE www.n-ergise.one
N-ERGISE is an independently and privately-owned organisation established in 2015. Generating an adaptable, personal, reactive and customer focused approach. The company delivers safe, innovative solutions to the Renewables, Oil & Gas, Nuclear and Marine sectors, with a firm hand on project delivery and cost control.
It was good to see examples of attention in the areas of diversity and inclusion in this award submission and it was good to see the team and charity photos alongside their entry.
Judges' comment
Gold Opus People Solutions opuspeoplesolutions.co.uk
Opus is a local authority owned recruitment business that works directly with organisations to deliver high quality, professional recruitment solutions. Our vision is to inspire confidence and realise opportunities for people and organisations and make a difference by adding value, pace and doing the right thing in the marketplace.
Grandparent reviews were a nice inclusion in this award entry, something a little bit different to the standard approach of manager and employee only reviews.
Judges' comment
Gold Scrutton Bland www.scruttonbland.co.uk
We are a leading provider of accountancy, tax, insurance and independent financial advice to individuals and businesses throughout the UK, with offices across East Anglia.
Scrutton Bland are working on all fronts to ensure they are a good employer and reap the benefits from being so. Their L&D programme is comprehensive and well designed for every individual. Of particular note is the new leadership framework. In the R & R area, their work on the “levelling review” to spot any pay anomalies is testament to their desire to achieve fairness. Returning to work after lockdown has been especially thoughtfully handled, comprising surveys and the accommodation of individual attitudes and emotions. Their trainee and apprenticeship schemes are well established. Recent analysis of diversity in SB is another demonstration of good intent. The last two years have seen SB putting a range of excellent practices into place to make what is good even better.
Judges' comment
Gold StrategiQ strategiq.co
StrategiQ is a full-service digital agency with offices in both Suffolk and the Midlands. It offers a wide range of integrated marketing services including web development, branding, design, UX, SEO, PPC, social media, email, video, content and PR. We thrive on understanding the needs, objectives and visionary goals of any business, and devise integrated strategies to help achieve them.
It is nice to see a simple set of core values in this one which are easy to understand and remember and the use of tools like Scoro to help measure and celebrate the success of individuals.
Judges' comment
Gold The Cambridge Building Society www.cambridgebs.co.uk
The Cambridge is an independent, mutual society that has been integral to the community since 1850. We provide funding for people buying their own homes and are a trusted home for people in a position to save.
The leadership at CBS take a noticeably proactive, approach to looking after their people. Their coaching culture, the design of in-house, accredited learning programs and the unique “Clever Nelly” system to check on learning retention, all indicate a very active L & D policy. Checking gender balance and having an open “People Dashboard” to measure diversity in the business, demonstrates a positive approach to achieving equality. The funding of external WeCare support 24/7 to employees during the pandemic sends a caring signal internally and the Alternative Dormant Assets Scheme to support the vulnerable in society externally is another part of the holistic approach that CBS has towards people in general. By any standards, the CBS is a great employer.
Judges' comment
Gold The Holkham Estate www.holkham.co.uk
The Holkham Estate on the North Norfolk coast is a diversified business centred around the magnificent Holkham Hall and its parkland. The Estate comprises visitor and land-based businesses and employs up to 300 team members in the peak season.
The Holkham Estate let the voices of their own employees tell the story about what it is like to work there. It is an impressive story of mutual passion to make Holkham Estate a best employer, a story of pride in their work and their brand and a story of deep-seated care for others. From the imaginative “lockdown learning” programme, the GO SEE and GO HELP initiatives, right through to the simply amazing fundraising efforts and the delivery of 600 meals a week to NHS Staff during the pandemic, Holkham's record in the last two years shows what can be done to create a workplace in which the individual is considered. It isn't all about written policy and values here – more about sheer, DNA level commitment.
Judges' comment
Gold Treatt www.treatt.com
Treatt are an ingredients manufacturer and solutions provider to the global flavour, fragrance and consumer goods markets. We provide everything from 100% natural ingredients to synthetics to impactful aroma chemicals. We are proud of our fun, engaged culture, which is central to how we deliver results and success.
Treat have an inclusive culture and are committed to ensuring all staff believe they belong. They actively encourage employee involvement and participation in all aspects of the business from input into decision making, enabling staff to participate in share schemes and giving peer to peer awards. The company has invested in Wellbeing and again they have focused on educating and encouraging staff to “Think Well Live Well and Be Well. They have developed some wellbeing pillars which ensure a good foundation with champions, action plans and use of pulse surveys to ensure they are on track. Their CSR is outstanding supporting several charities and local schools. On the whole this is a great company to work for.
Judges' comment
Silver AGI Group agi-group.com
AGI UK develops, manufactures and sells innovative and high-performance chemistry equipment and scientific glassware for chemists. We help our customers advance their science. Our culture is built on trust, respect and honesty to enable an enjoyable and fulfilling working environment. By doing so we create happy staff, customers and shareholders.
AGI foster a management style of openness and communicate with all colleagues on a regular basis including weekly CEO meetings. They take training and personal development of staff seriously and run a comprehensive all staff awards scheme. They clearly care about staff wellbeing and support agile working and are commended for supporting StopHateUk to demonstrate their commitment to oppose racism. Some good initiatives to build upon.
Judges' comment
Silver AMARA www.amara.com
AMARA is the go-to online destination for luxury homeware. With over 300 of the world's biggest home brands alongside up-and-coming designers, there's something for every style and taste. Offering next day delivery, international shipping, and first-class customer service, AMARA.COM is the place to go when ordinary just won't do.
AMARA work hard in a number of ways to ensure regular communications at a companywide and individual level and hold regular staff social and fun events to generate camaraderie and a sense of belonging. They recognise success, care about staff wellbeing and are commended for supporting charities including Women for Women International and donating a proportion of profits. Some good initiatives to build upon.
Judges' comment
Silver FutureYou futureyouhealth.com
We produce health supplements that are proven to work. We know they work because they are backed by science. The scientific hub of Cambridge is part of our identity. It's where we call home. It's where we have developed close ties with world-leading institutions and highly regarded nutritional and medical experts who advise us. We treat every individual's health and wellbeing with the importance it deserves. It's at the heart of everything we do and it's why our customers trust us. Our science, your wellbeing.
Authentically honest and refreshing in their submission, they were honest and candid in their award entry. Loved to see the smiling zoom group shot! Weekly catch-ups and reflections on the previous week felt like a good way to keep positive momentum.
Judges' comment
Silver Hundred Houses Society www.hhs.org.uk
Hundred Houses Society is a Not-for-Profit housing association founded in 1933 and completed our first development of 100 homes in Cambridge, in 1935. We currently own and manage around 1500 homes in Cambridge and Greater Cambridge. Our mission is “To Provide Great Homes and Services that People Value”.
A very structured and effective appraisal system in place, with plenty of regular catch-ups throughout the year. The team have many opportunities to discuss their own personal development with time to discuss the effectiveness of any training undertaken.
Judges' comment
Silver Lakin Rose lakinrose.co.uk
Founded in 1985, Lakin Rose have a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of the accountancy arena. We're a small yet thriving business with an eclectic mix of clients giving us experience in most accountancy-related situations. This also allows us to offer you a broad range of expertise, which leaves no stone unturned when assessing your business or personal accountancy-related matters.
The progression for school leavers and new team members is impressive, alongside a strong sense that they are committed to promoting from within, which isn't always the easiest path to take so it was nice to read about their approach.
Judges' comment
Silver New Anglia LEP newanglia.co.uk
New Anglia LEP works with businesses, local authority partners and education institutions to drive growth and enterprise in Norfolk and Suffolk. We're transforming the economy by securing government funding to help businesses grow, ensuring they have the funding, support, skills, and infrastructure needed to flourish, whilst giving them a voice.
The focus on personal development was inspiring. It was also great to see diversity champions and the importance given to the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda more widely.
Judges' comment
Silver Newton Commercial newtoncomm.co.uk
Newton Commercial is the leading manufacturer of British and European Classic Car trim in the world. Based in Leiston in Suffolk, it employs over 50 craftsmen and women making original classic car interior trim. Established in 1979 it exports over 40% globally and is a great place to work.
We enjoyed the simple 'Newton's Law' especially since it was short and sweet and included a reference to having a sense of humour!
Judges' comment
Silver Smithfield Foods www.smithfieldfoods.co.uk
Smithfield Foods is the UK arm of WH Group, a global protein business. Smithfield UK is part of the European operations, working with farming and manufacturing companies in Poland and Romania to bring a variety of pork and poultry products to the UK retail, food service and wholesale markets.
Helping people to understand both their conscious and unconscious perspectives was a nice initiative to read about in this submission. It is good to see more attention being paid to the quality of 1-1 development time in helping people understand themselves and how they perform and interact with others rather than just static catch-ups with a manager.
Judges' comment
Silver Stragagem IPM www.stratagemipm.co.uk
Stratagem Intellectual Property Management Ltd is a full service, UK based, outsourced intellectual property law firm with offices in Cambridge and Oxford. Stratagem has global reach through its growing network of foreign legal contacts and clients and assists clients ranging from start-ups through SMEs to global corporations. Stratagem fills a developing need within industry for the provision of strategic advice and intellectual property management for life science, MedTech, cleantech and high technology companies. Stratagem's qualified patent and trademark attorneys and solicitors use a commercial perspective and hands-on management approach to enhance the value of IP assets.
It is good to see the encouragement of individuals development and career progression. The check-in with each employee I am sure helps to keep the team engaged.
Judges' comment
Silver Thurne www.thurne.com
Thurne has an international reputation for high quality, precision engineered industrial slicing systems for bacon, cooked meats and cheese applications, and builds on 50 years of experience in the industry. Part of The Middleby Corporation since 2015, Thurne's commitment to innovation is stronger than ever, with a renewed focus on bringing great savings and gains in production efficiency to processors around the globe.
Strong leadership with a focus on communication and personal development. This combined with succession planning clearly contributes to the longevity of the organisation.
Judges' comment
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