The spirit of excellence and people-powered success was alive and thriving at the Best Employers Awards Conference 2025, held at Newmarket Racecourse’s Millennium Suite.
Organised by Pure, the leading recruitment specialist in the East of England, in partnership with eras, the Best Employers Eastern Region programme celebrates organisations that are redefining what it means to be a great employer. Through this flagship initiative, Pure champions workplace engagement, culture, and leadership across the region.
This year’s conference brought together leaders, innovators, and culture champions to share insights, spark inspiration, and, most importantly, celebrate the organisations who achieved Silver, Gold, and Platinum accreditation, as well as this year’s Best Employers Eastern Region Award winners.
A Day of Insight, Inspiration and Celebration
The event opened with a warm welcome from hosts Lynn Walters and Sonya O’Reilly, setting the tone for a day dedicated to people, culture, and performance.
The morning began with a powerful keynote from Kate Atkin, The Imposter Phenomenon: Culture’s Hidden Power—a thought-provoking exploration of how everyday behaviours shape engagement and performance.
Next came a conversation on People-Led Transformation, featuring Sam Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and Jonathan Reed, CEO of Paddy & Scott’s. Both leaders shared candid reflections on leading change through people and the importance of purpose in driving business growth. Their joint Q&A reminded delegates that strong culture isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s at the heart of strategy and success.
Delegates also gained valuable insight into the Latest regional engagement trends from the Best Employers survey data, highlighting the impact of listening to employees and acting on feedback to build thriving, resilient workplaces.
Celebrating the Region’s Best Employers
As the gold envelopes were opened, the room filled with celebration as the 2025 winners with the highest culture and engagement scores were revealed:
Best Large Company – Arthur Rank Hospice Charity
Best Medium Company – PolicyBee Limited
Best Small Company – Jarrold Training Ltd
Most Improved – Virgin Wines Ltd
Best Not-for-Profit – The Thalidomide Trust
Best Manufacturing & Engineering – Amarinth Limited
Best Professional Services – Stratagem IPM Limited
Best Hospitality & Retail – Paddy & Scott’s
Each organisation was celebrated for its outstanding leadership, culture, and commitment to creating workplaces where people truly thrive.
Each winner was recognised for exceptional leadership, culture, and commitment to creating workplaces where people can succeed and belong.
Leadership, Community and Accreditation
Following a lively networking lunch, the spotlight turned to leadership and community. Jodie Woodrow from Pure spoke to Julius Walters, CEO and Steve Harris, Manufacturing Manager of Sudbury Silk Mills, who explained how they have empowered their teams and embedded their strategy throughout the business. This was followed by a moving session from Sharon Allen, CEO, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, who spoke about the devastating impact of the recent funding cuts and how she is leading her team through this difficult period whilst they continue to deliver outstanding patient care.
The excitement continued with the announcement of this year’s accredited employers, recognising those who achieved Silver, Gold, and Platinum status.
Platinum Accreditation
42 Technology Ltd, LSI Architects Ltd, Bollfilter UK Ltd, Power Testing Ltd, Wilby Jones, Green & Purple Ltd, Global Chair Components Ltd
Watch our Platinum accreditation video.
Gold Accreditation
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, Axter Ltd, Big C Cancer Charity, Icefresh Foods Ltd, Jarrold Training Ltd, Lakin Rose Ltd, Notcutts Ltd, PolicyBee Ltd, Stratagem IPM Ltd, The Thalidomide Trust
Watch our Gold accreditation video.
Silver Accreditation
Cambridge Building Society, Condimentum Ltd, Fosters Solicitors LLP, Larking Gowen LLP, Macquarie Energy Leasing Ltd, ML Financial Associates, Paddy & Scott’s, Production Bureau Ltd, S&P Ventilation Systems, Sudbury Silk Mills, The Goymour Group
Watch our Silver accreditation video.
As the celebrations continued, it was clear that Best Employers is about more than awards — it’s about a shared commitment to better workplaces and stronger communities. The day served as a reminder that when organisations invest in people, everyone wins.
Lynn Walters, Executive Director at Pure, reflected:
“Best Employers celebrates organisations across our region that truly put people at the heart of their success. It’s inspiring to see so many leaders committed to building workplaces with strong purpose, culture, and values — and to know that this community continues to grow every year. Together, we’re helping businesses thrive while raising money for charity. We will be announcing the total raised for Arthur Rank Hospice over the next 10 days.”
Closing the Celebration
The conference closed with reflections from Lynn and Sonya, followed by group photos and a celebratory drinks reception kindly sponsored by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. The atmosphere was one of joy, pride, and optimism — a testament to the strength of the Best Employers community and the power of organisations that put people first.
Stay Connected
The celebration doesn’t end here. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to publish stories and resources that support and enable our regions’ businesses and organisations with their employee engagement journey.
Follow the journey and explore more at bestemployers.prs.uk.com