​There are moments in business that make you pause, reflect, and feel genuinely proud. Being named one ofThe Sunday Times Best Places to Work in 2025, not just in the Top 10 nationally, but No.1 in the business services sector, is one of those moments for me.

At Carrington West, we talk a lot about trust, values, and culture. These aren’t just buzzwords; they are the foundation of everything we do. So, when an independent, employee-led recognition like this comes our way, it tells me we’re getting the important things right. And that matters. Not just for us as a team, but for our suppliers, clients and candidates too.

What This Means for Our People

This award is based entirely on what our team has to say about working here. It measures real things, like how supported people feel, whether they see opportunities to grow, and if they believe in our leadership. As a business leader, knowing that our people feel happy, valued, and empowered means everything.

We’ve invested heavily in creating a workplace that people want to be a part of. From our learning and development pathways to our wellbeing strategy and day-to-day culture of recognition, it’s all built around listening, learning, and improving. I’m especially proud that we’ve maintained a 90% engagement rate on our daily employee feedback tool. It tells me we’re not just talking, we’re acting on that feedback.

Why It Matters for Our Clients

Clients often ask what sets us apart from other recruitment agencies. This recognition answers that. Our people are the reason we deliver exceptional service. They are experienced, well-supported, and genuinely care about the outcomes we achieve for our clients. This is not just striving to provide a celebrity service, it’s also about the additional value we can offer to support hiring, retaining and managing teams.

High levels of employee engagement translate into continuity, expertise, and commitment. In an industry where turnover can be high, our 92% retention rate means you get consistency and trusted relationships that last.

What’s more, we know that as your recruitment partner, we’re representing your brand in the marketplace. Our own recognition as a top employer strengthens that position, showing that we understand what great looks like, and that we practise what we preach when it comes to creating excellent work environments.

And For Our Candidates

Looking for a new job can be daunting. The people you turn to for guidance need to be knowledgeable, yes, but also empathetic, honest, and invested in your success. That’s what our team offers.

Because we look after our people, they’re in a position to look after you. They’ll take the time to understand your goals, help you navigate the job market, and connect you with opportunities that genuinely match your ambitions and values. It’s not about pushing CVs, it’s about building careers.

Simon Gardiner, who co-founded Carrington West with me, and I are always humbled when we speak to contractors we placed when we were recruiters “on the tools”. We value this loyalty immensely, but we know that it is the continual investment into our teams that allows this to happen.

A Culture We’re Proud Of

It’s taken us years of hard work, learning, and listening to get to where we are, and we’re not stopping. This recognition is a moment to celebrate, but also to renew our commitment to continuous improvement. The recruitment industry doesn’t stand still, and neither do we.

I want to thank every single person at Carrington West. This award belongs to you. And to our clients and candidates, thank you for trusting us. We’re here to keep raising the bar.