The official Sunday Times Best Places to Work list, in partnership with leading employee experience platform WorkL, has been published online today and has listed North East-based Robson Laidler Accountants for the third consecutive year.
This nationwide workplace survey recognises and celebrates the UK’s top employers, showcasing organisations that are leading the way in employee engagement, workplace culture and overall employee experience.
To feature on the list, businesses must achieve a staff engagement score of at least 70%. Robson Laidler, which employs 125 people across its offices in Newcastle, Durham and Teesside, achieved a score of 80%, alongside an 81% rating for job satisfaction.
Some of the latest initiatives the firm has introduced to support its being one of the best places to work includes the launch of its bespoke Director Development Programme – a 15-month structured pathway designed to identify and support high-performing managers to progress to Associate Director roles.
This initiative not only equips future leaders with the skills, confidence and experience needed to step into senior roles but reinforces the firm’s commitment to promoting from within.
Other areas the firm has seen measurable impact includes the continuation of the four-day working week, which it has been operating since 2023 and has seen over 80% of colleagues report reduced stress levels both professionally and personally.
Robson Laidler also has a Better Health at Work programme, including wellbeing workshops, staff massage sessions, a walking club and free fruit. It’s JEDI (Justice, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) group continues to drive meaningful change, introducing neurodiversity training, British Sign Language sessions, a dedicated multi-faith room, and enhanced policies to support diverse religious practices and marginalised groups.
Robson Laidler’s recertification as a B Corp earlier this year also reflects its ongoing commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
Amy Park, co-managing director at Robson Laidler said: “Happier workforces drive better commercial performance. Being recognised by The Sunday Times for a third consecutive year reflects the culture we’ve worked hard to build at Robson Laidler – one where people feel supported, valued and empowered to develop their careers. We’re proud to continue investing in initiatives that help our team thrive both professionally and personally.”
This year’s Best Places to Work features 567 organisations across industries, split into 28 Best Very Big Places to Work, 126 Best Big Places to Work, 218 Best Medium Places to Work, and 195 Best Small Places to Work.
It highlights the best workplaces for women, the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled employees, ethnic minorities, younger and older workers, and those where staff enjoy the highest rates of wellbeing.
The Best Places to Work list features a diverse range of organisations across the UK, including technology company Arm; energy providers E.ON UK, EDF in the UK and Octopus Energy; hospitality brands Dishoom, Bella Italia and Ardent Pub Group; as well as David Lloyd Clubs and MBDA.
Zoe Thomas, editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, said: “In an evolving world of work Britain’s leading employers are helping staff forge careers that count today – and in the future. In turn, the Best Places to Work have the resilience to weather the current economic storms baked in, thanks to engaged workers who go above and beyond with a smile. Our winning employers span sizes and sectors – from tiny charities and specialist law firms, to multinational fast-food chains and utility giants, and everywhere in between. The thread joining them is the belief that a happy workforce is a stepping stone to better performance, faster growth, and bigger profits. More than that, there’s a collective instinct that a contented rank-and-file is a worthwhile business goal in and of itself.”
You can read The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 in full here: https://www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-work and it will appear in the print edition of the newspaper this Sunday, May 24.