Top Companies to Work For in 2024

Unlike other Top Companies to Work For registers, our Top Companies to Work For is not only based on employees’ feedback, but also on expert opinion from a panel of judges who are knowledgeable and passionate about business and organisational culture and know what good working environments look like, the impact that it makes, and the dedication needed to make a company great to work for.  

UK Company Culture Award entrants complete an entry form that digs deep into initiatives and programmes, budgets and outcomes to provide a true picture of culture from the behind-the-scenes essentials to social events that bring teams together.  

If you are looking for a workplace that values employee health and well-being, that supports growth and career development and is invested in its future and the planet through CSR and ESG programmes this is the Top Companies to Work For list for you.  

Top Company to Work for – Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Ginger May (Agency)  

Ginger May is a global PR and integrated B2B agency. They adopt a people-centric approach to business that prioritises employee well-being over profit. Proud of their Bcorp certification, they pledge to prioritise communities and the planet.  

Experts say: “What sets Ginger May apart is their deep understanding of mental health issues, exemplified by their MH First Aiders programme and educational sessions and their commitment to work-life balance and employee satisfaction that is reflected in their long-term employee retention.” 

Shieldpay 

On a mission to become the trusted payment rails for the legal sector, Shieldpay aim to be a company that people love to work for. A dedicated technology-led payments partner the Shieldpay team specialise in seamless, compliant payment journeys for all parties in a transaction.  

Experts say “Shieldpay set an example for other companies when it comes to effective mental health awareness in the workplace. Employee wellbeing scores show the impact of their prioritising action over policy methods and holistic understandings.” 

Top Company to Work For – Health & Wellbeing 

Distinctly Agency 

A digital marketing agency that specialises in SEO, paid media, digital PR and content the Distinctly Agency believe in thriving together. They believe in hiring the right fit and prioritising personal development, and by doing so have kept hold of their feel-good factor.  

Experts say: “The comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing Distinctly adopts covers a broad spectrum of activities which highlights their commitment to their employees. They are also advocates and promoters of wellbeing at the most opportune moments to raise awareness.”  

Top Company to Work For – Flexible Working 

Cooper Parry 

The Rebels of Accountancy, Cooper Parry are all about superfast, sustainable, entrepreneurial growth. Certified Bcorp the rebels are award-winning and people-powered. Their ‘How We Roll’ culture book is an insight into their ethos and philosophy.  

Experts say: By making small yet impactful changes, including curfew hours, a 4-day work initiative and restricting emails has boosted Cooper Parry’s efficiency and fostered a happier, healthier flexible workforce and environment. 

Top Company to Work For – Corporate Social Responsibility 

Brightbulb 

Based on the Isle of Wight, Brightbulb are creativity experts who design campaigns using high-tech and effective web experiences to turn a profit for clients. Visit ‘the figures that create possibility’ page on their website to understand their passion, inspiration and humour!  

Experts say: “Community and charity involvement is meticulously planned which generated significant buzz and media coverage for the mutual benefits of staff, clients and beneficiaries.” 

Top Company to Work For – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

Ogury 

Ogury is a global tech agency and leader in advertising solutions embedded in data and grounded in privacy. Their diverse teamwork across 17 countries across Europe, America and APAC. They promise a workplace that is positive for employees and meaningful change for the communities in which it works. 

Experts say: “Ogury’s approach to addressing environmental challenges and taking a proactive approach to mitigate them sets a commendable example of corporate responsibility.” 

Top Company to Work For – Next-Generation Investment 

We Discover 

We Discover is creating a big bang. A performance marketing and technology agency with tech expertise in data analysis, coding and more.  They believe their culture is the cornerstone for the success, it influences not just happiness, but also innovation, productivity, and even growth.  

Experts say: Pioneers in next generation initiatives. The adoption of cv-less hiring process fosters inclusivity and their stellar career development program highlights their dedication to nurturing next generation talent.  

Top Company to Work For – Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) 

A leading independent pension consulting and administration business, XPS have benefits of scale and a breadth of experience to provide investment solutions. Their people approach recognises support and training, inclusion and diversity and ensuring everyone has a voice.  

XPS Pensions Group 

Experts say: XPS initiative to address menopause stands out as a model of best practice, demonstrating both sensitivity and inclusivity. Structured approaches to diversity, equality and inclusion which includes segmenting audiences for tailored engagement is admirable.  

Top Company to Work For – Employee Development  

Brightec (Agency) 

Brightec are ‘masters in the art of mobile’ working with clients to create apps that deliver on vision and connect with audience. Their work approach is ‘people first’ where work facilitates happiness and improves quality of life. Doubling their team in the last 5 years, Brightec live by a set of beliefs that include ‘confidently humble’ and ‘lovers of life!’ 

Experts say: The team at Brightec set a gold standard for their holistic approach to career progression and continued personal development. Over eight years they have achieved 100% staff retention which speaks volumes about employee growth and wellbeing.  

Fair Ways 

A not-for-profit children’s services charity based in the south of England and Wales, Fair Ways is working for a better future through fostering, education, residential, mental health and family services. Fair Ways believe their team is their biggest asset,and have a set of core values which includes doing what they say, not giving up on people, giving, inviting and listening and always willing to be open and honest.  

Experts say: The Fair Ways programme has potential for industry-wide impact. Increased visibility and awareness of development and leadership programmes enable new and future leaders to grow in their roles.  

Top Company to Work For – Apprenticeship Programmes 

MBDA 

The MBDA mission is to operate as a trusted part of the defence community in our home nations and with their allies: providing decisive military capability to protect national security.   

Experts say: MBDA stands out for gender diversity and inclusion. Fostering a dynamic learning environment, every individual thrives especially early career professionals and young talent.  

Top for Best Working Environment  

Wiser 

An award-winning employer branding and early talent agency Wiser work to transform company culture from the ground up, and change the way people thing about work.  

Experts say: The innovative design of the workspace at Wiser sets new standards in aesthetics and functionality that embraces different needs and styles of working.  

Top for Remote Working Environment (Hybrid)  

Hallam 

Hallam are a performance marketing agency that are shifting from profiting only a few to benefitting all. They prioritise individualism and embrace interdependence.  

Experts say: Hallam’s approach to hybrid working resonates on a deeply human level which proves exceptional work environment transcends mere office decoration. Employee testimonials speak volumes about the vibrant and inclusive culture they have fostered.  

Top Company to Work For – Onboarding or Induction 

Emis  

A leading provider of innovative healthcare technology that improves lives, Emis take pride in knowing they deliver a supportive culture, excellent benefits and a hybrid working approach which employees love.  

Experts say: Emmis have an innovative approach garnered by impressive outcomes that revealed employee engagement and satisfaction among newly onboarded employees.  

Top Bcorp Company to Work For

Impression  

Passionate about uncovering new digital marketing opportunities for their clients, Impression provide strategy, SEO and paid media services. 

Experts say: Impression’s commitment to transparency and action sets exemplary standards for accountability and integrity in business. The Bcorp philosophy is integrated seamlessly into their business model thus aligning profit with purpose.  

Top Company to Work For – Innovative Culture 

Visiting Angels 

Visiting Angels is a home-care service, their dedicated caregivers proudly help older adults live comfortably, independently and safely in their own homes.  

Experts say: The wide array of engaging initiatives for employees, including the bespoke welfare mental health app is groundbreaking in the sector. Adaption has allowed their culture to thrive.  

Top Company to Work For – Team for Culture 

Apax 

Apax is a values-driven, non-profit, social enterprise who take a creative approach to providing assisted living and supported housing services for vulnerable adults.  

Experts say: Apax are dedicated in fostering a united and caring environment, from embedding core values to transitioning to a more sustainable way of working. The remarkable retention rate and commitment to continuous improvement exemplifies an empowering culture.  

Top Company to Work For (Public Sector/Not For Profit) 

Hubbub 

A creative charity that is making environmental action make sense for people, communities and businesses. Every Hubbub campaign is sparked by a passion to problem-solve and connect with people.  

Experts say: Hubbub blend innovative environmental action with a supportive, inclusive workplace culture. Their commitment and dedication to their mission and team wellbeing sets them apart as an employer.  

Top Company (In-House) to Work For 

Visiting Angels 

Dedicated caregivers, Visiting Angels, provide companions to end of care home services. The business has been built on recruiting, training and support for bespoke carers enabling them to deliver outstanding care.  

Experts say: In an industry where care and consideration are paramount Visiting Angels prioritise its employees’ wellbeing and provide an outstanding benefit package and robust progression plan.  

Top Small Agency to Work For 

Principal Global Events 

A global events agency that delivers unlimited imagination and attention to detail and measures the quality of work by the loyalty of their clients and industry recognition.  

Experts say: The strong culture at Principal spans 30 years and the team shows exceptional dedication to their employees. Their innovative approach captured our admiration.  

Top Medium Agency to Work For 

We Discover 

A performance marketing and technology agency, We Discover deliver solutions for paid search, paid social, marketing intelligence and data collection. They believe that their system is only as powerful as its infrastructure – their talented team.  

Experts say: We Discover are dedicated to sustainability and carbon offsetting and have an unwavering commitment to the prioritisation of people over profit. Their workplace is a space where every individual thrives. 

Top Large Agency to Work For 

Hallam 

Also, top for the remote working model, Hallam do business in a better way: working hard to do the right things, not only for clients but for the world around us.  

Experts say: Hallam has an exemplary approach to improving working culture and improving employee satisfaction which translates into performance. They have a proactive people strategy that addresses concerns and provides solutions.  

How to appear on the UK Company Culture Awards Top Companies to Work For in 2025?

Visit the categories page and choose which reflects your areas of expertise, then download your entry form which will guide you on the information you need to provide to our esteemed judging panel.