Published by Sue Johns-Chapman
Published Date 31.03.2026 
At Outrank, culture has never been something we just bolt on. It’s not just a word or a one-off initiative. It’s part of how we work, how we grow, and how we support each other every single day.
That’s why being shortlisted for Best Team Culture at the 2026 Company Culture Awards means so much to us. And alongside that, seeing our Head of Culture, Lucy Stirman, shortlisted for Business Culture Ambassador of the Year makes it even more special.
Because this isn’t just recognition of what we do, it’s recognition of who we are as Outrankers.
What does Outrank culture actually look like?
Culture at Outrank isn’t built in presentations or policies. It’s built in the day-to-day moments that shape how people feel at work.
It’s the flexibility we offer, because we understand that life doesn’t stop when work starts. Whether you’re balancing family life, personal goals, or just need that bit of breathing space, we make it work.
It’s the way Outrankers support each other. When things get busy, no one gets left behind, the team steps in, lifts each other up, and keeps moving forward together.
It’s also in how we celebrate success, big wins, small wins and personal milestones, we recognise them all. Because progress matters, and people deserve to feel it.
And importantly, it’s a place where you can be yourself. No corporate masks, no unnecessary pressure to ‘fit a mould’. Just a team that works hard, backs each other, and genuinely enjoys the journey.
A culture that creates real opportunities
One of the things we’re most proud of is the progression we see across the business.
Outrankers don’t stand still, people join, develop their skills, step into new roles, and shape their own paths. We actively support that growth through training, mentorship, and clear opportunities to move forward.
It’s not about hierarchy, it’s about potential.
We invest in our people because we know that when individuals grow, the whole business grows with them.
That mindset has helped us build a team that’s not only skilled but motivated, engaged, and committed to what we’re building together.
Recognition that reflects the people behind it
Over the past few years, we’ve seen our culture recognised on a national level, but more importantly, we’ve felt it internally every single day.
We’ve been certified as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, reflecting the consistent experience of our team.
We’ve been named 2nd in the UK Best Workplaces for Medium Businesses, placing us among the very best companies to work for in the country.
And earlier this year, we were proud to win Agency Culture of the Year at the Northern Digital Awards 2026, a moment that really brought everything into focus.
That award wasn’t just about recognition. It was about validation. It showed that what we’ve built as a team, our support, our energy, our way of working, stands out on a wider stage.
Each of these achievements matters, but not because of the titles.
They matter because they reflect the environment Outrankers have created together. A workplace built on trust, support, and shared ambition.
Lucy Stirman: Leading culture from the front
At the centre of it all is Lucy Stirman, our Head of Culture.
Lucy plays a key role in shaping the experience of every Outranker. From wellbeing initiatives and team support to career development and day-to-day culture, her impact runs right across the business.
Her approach is simple but powerful, listening to people, understanding what they need, and taking action.
That might mean supporting someone through a challenging time, helping a team member take the next step in their career, or introducing initiatives that improve how we work together.
Her nomination for Culture Ambassador of the Year reflects that consistent, people-first approach. Not driven by big gestures, but by meaningful, everyday impact.
Why this shortlist matters
Being shortlisted for Best Team Culture isn’t about saying we’ve reached the finish line.
It’s about recognising the journey we’re on and the standards we continue to set.
We’re always evolving, always listening and always looking for ways to improve how we support our team.
Because culture isn’t something you achieve once. It’s something you build, protect, and develop over time.
And that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do.
What’s next for Outrankers?
We’re incredibly proud of this recognition, but more than anything, we’re proud of the people behind it.
Every Outranker plays a role in shaping our culture, every conversation, every bit of support, every shared success contributes to what we’ve built.
Whatever happens at the Company Culture Awards, one thing doesn’t change, the culture we’ve created together.
A culture built on trust.
A culture driven by people.
A culture that continues to grow, evolve, and improve.
And if there’s one thing we know for sure…
We’re only just getting started!
