Now in its fourth year, the firms featured are voted for by their own employees via a survey completed by more than 200,000 staff, spanning 25 industry sectors across the UK.
The data, which is compiled by employee experience specialist WorkL, shows employees at the Best Places to Work organisations are happier and more engaged in role than those elsewhere.
Butcome Group, which was also this year’s Best Pub Employer (501+ employees) at the Publican Awards, was one of the companies recognised in the best big places to work (organisations with 250 to 1,999 employees), marking the second year the business has been recognised in the list.
Initiatives highlighted were training schemes including apprenticeship and leadership development programmes as well as how the business encourages open conversations across teams and how employee feedback influences workplace practices.
Chief experience officer Cat Moseley said: “Being included in The Sunday Times Best Places to work is something we’re incredibly proud of particularly it being our second year in a row.
“It reflects the environment we have worked hard to create, one where team members feel supported, valued and able to thrive.
“Our teams are at the centre of everything we do and we are constantly listening and responding to their feedback to improve their experience.”
Testament to dedication
Moseley added: “To receive this recognition more than once is a real testament to their dedication and to the progress we continue to make as a business.”
CEO Jonathan Lawson highlighted how the group’s dedication to customer experience sets them apart.
“At the heart of our success is the dedication and collaboration shown by our people every day, whether they are welcoming guests, creating memorable moments or supporting one another behind the scenes,” he said.
“In what continues to be a challenging environment for the hospitality sector, their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers continues to make a real difference.”
Incipio Group, which was named Best Experiential Operator at this year’s Publican Awards, was commended for its career development, supporting the largely Gen Z workforce of around 400.
This has resulted in more than three quarters (78%) of key roles being filled internally while employee turnover dropped from 80% to 63%.
Based in Boston, Lincolnshire, The Coaching Inn Group was praised for immersive experience days, cross-site development, mentoring and a track record of internal promotion.
Having fun is at the core of fast-growing business Urban Pubs & Bars, which employs more than 1,200 people across its 68-strong estate.
Career development praised
The list outlined how pub managers, head chefs and site teams have the autonomy to shape their venues around the communities they serve.
Elsewhere in the category, restaurant and bar operator the Parogon Group was identified and areas such as employee support alongside free food during shifts, access to money-management apps for staff and regular team socials were lauded.
Personalised development plans for more than 400 employees at London cocktail and restaurant group Drake & Morgan was just one of the initiatives mentioned by the list, as the group was included as one of the 126 best big places to work.
Also in the category was south-east-based brewer and pub operator Hall & Woodhouse. The business, which marks its quarter of a century anniversary next year, invited all 1,423 employees to celebrate after it reported record profits and won national awards.
London-based Ardent Pub Group, which operates venues including the Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, the George in Fitzrovia and the Hound in Chiswick, was named as one of the top 10 best medium-size places to work (firms with 50 to 249 employees).
Founder and managing director Dominic Jacobs said the recognition meant a great deal.
He added: “Ardent is built entirely on people - the teams who show up eery day and make the experience what it is.
“To be recognised at this level is a reflection of their commitment and the culture we have worked hard to build together.
“As we grow, protecting and evolving that culture remains central to everything we do.”
