Organisations putting their employees at the heart of everything they do were celebrated during an exciting live reveal.

On Friday May 19 the Best Companies to Work For in Q2 2023 were revealed in a live broadcast from Salford’s MediaCityUK.

Hosted by TV presenter Dan Walker, Best Companies Live Q2 2023 revealed the league tables for Best Companies to Work For in the UK by region and sector, culminating in the coveted national listings.

The top 10 Best Companies to Work For in the North West, based on their employee engagement scores are:

1. Chess Limited
2. Hydrock
3. Hobbycraft
4. Roadchef Ltd
5. In Technology Group
6. Barnett Waddingham
7. Mills & Reeve
8. JMW Solicitors
9. Brabners LLP
10. Weaver Vale Housing Trust

As well as being an opportunity for companies to celebrate their own and each other’s achievements, Best Companies Live gave employee-first workplaces the opportunity to share valuable insight on what employee engagement practices have proved successful and also how they’re navigating some of today’s biggest people management challenges.

Free-to-view panel discussions on the infamous red chairs covered topics such as How to Energise and Inspire Teams, Creating a Culture of Growth and Recognition, The Importance of Conversation, and Demonstrating Care While Maintaining Candour.

Chess Limited were named Best Company to Work For in the North West and were also announced as the third Best Technology Company to Work For in the UK.

David Pollock, Executive Chairman of Chess Limited said: “The secret is to love your people, they’ll love your customers and that’s how you build a business to be proud of.”

CFO, Stephen Dracup, added: “I would like to say ‘well done’ and ‘thank you’ to all our people. We always try to listen to our people fundamentally, and we have prioritised mental health training for our teams”.

Construction consultant Hydrock were not only named second Best Company to Work For in the North West but also third best in Wales, and as number one Best Company to Work For in the West Midlands.

The company wants to make a positive contribution to shaping a global and sustainable future community, and is committed to providing an environment where their people can thrive.

“The wellbeing of our people has always been at the heart of our culture, which is why we invest in experiences that bring our people together, learning and development programmes that can enhance all of our lives, and promote a supportive, respectful and caring culture.” Dr Brian McConnell, Chief Executive Officer, Hydrock.

Hobbycraft were named as the third Best Company to Work For in the North West and the Best Big Company to Work For in Q2 2023.

Dominic Jordan, CEO, stated: “Engaging with colleagues and their wellbeing and welfare is all well and good (saying these buzzwords) but you’ve got put the work in.”

Hobbycraft’s People Director, Chris Fenlon, agreed and added: “The people team go above and beyond every day to make sure that our teams are looked after and listened to”.

Claire Hindley, HR Manager at fourth placed Roadchef Ltd was delighted with their results, and said: “65 percent of our managers are promoted internally. We’re always looking for internal talent.

“It’s important to us that employees know that they can progress. We’ve tried to create a culture where people love coming to work.”

Recruitment firm In Technology Group, ranked fifth in the North West league table, were also named the second Best Small Company to Work For in the UK.

Will Wareing, Director, said: “At In Technology Group we prioritise our employees and their well-being as they are the key to our success.

“We begin each month with a company meeting where employees are celebrated for the month before and are also able to communicate with me directly and voice any opinions they need.

“There is a two-way commitment in place and a trust that is integral to a successful working environment. Our company values each and every one of our employees and would be nothing without their hard work.”

Best Companies’ quarterly league tables concept is now in its second year, a move away from its previous annual list.

This provides workplaces with the opportunity to choose a time that best suits them to survey their employees.

They can survey their business once, or up to four times, per year, allowing more opportunities for them to showcase what makes them a great place to work.

Using Best Companies’ unique 8-Factor methodology to produce a BCI (Best Companies Index) score, companies receive ranking positions based upon their employees’ responses to the B-heard survey.

Following the second successful Best Companies Live event of 2023, Best Companies founder and CEO, Jonathan Austin, said: “There are companies that truly shine in challenging times. They continue to innovate and put their people at the forefront of everything they do – these are the companies we’re celebrating today.

Through Best Companies Live, we’re giving them a platform to inspire others and help make the world a better workplace.”

The North West League Table (Q2 2023) is available here.

The full lists of winners across all League Tables can be found here.