When people are engaged with their role and the organisation they work for they are much more likely to be motivated and productive.

The proof is in the pudding. Best Companies, the leading workplace engagement specialists in the UK, have found that companies who have a high level of engagement, and achieve a place on the national Best Companies to Work For lists, consistently outperform the FTSE 100. Their data also shows a direct correlation between customer satisfaction and employee engagement*.

Measuring engagement

Best Companies work with organisations to identify and improve levels of engagement. Through the b-Heard survey, they provide tools and expertise to empower organisations to understand how their employees feel, and show them how to drive eff ective change.

Using a unique workplace engagement model, organisations are measured across eight factors. Survey participants respond to 70 statements on a seven-point scale, where all responses from each region are then combined and normalised to create a Regional Best Companies Index (RBCI) score.

Good places in hard times

The 2018 research reveals an overall decline in levels of engagement across private companies nationally. Employees certainly seem to be feeling the pinch, with the Best Companies Fair Deal factor, looking at whether

people feel fairly rewarded for the work they do, showing high declines from 2017. Not-for-profi t organisations have however fared better overall, seeing improvement in four engagement factors out of the eight measured.

North West leading the way

More than 25,000 North West employees participated in this year’s survey. The region performed well overall, being in the top three scoring regions for all engagement factors.

It seems that those in the North West are some of the happiest employees in the UK for feeling invested in what they do, with a top score of 81% in the My Company factor (compared to the national average of 77%). Strong leadership and management in the region are also highlighted.

2018 certainly looks to be a positive year for engagement in the North West. Jonathan Austin, Founder and CEO of Best Companies, said: “It is fantastic to fi nd the region scoring well across all of our engagement factors. With us recently launching the regional Best Companies to Work For lists, it is encouraging to see more organisations are recognising the value of engagement and are willing to benchmark themselves against the best to ensure they are off ering their people the best possible experience.”

Celebrating the

Best of the North West

The 8 Factors of Workplace Engagement

The list of the Best Companies to Work For in the North West is compiled using the 8 Factor methodology.

My ManagerHow employees feel about and communicate with their direct manager

LeadershipHow employees feel about the head of the organisation, senior management and the organisation’s values and principles

My CompanyThe level of engagement employees feel with their job and organisation

Personal GrowthHow employees feel about training and their future prospects

My TeamEmployees’ feelings towards their immediate colleagues and how well they work together

WellbeingHow employees feel about stress, pressure at work and life balance

Fair DealHow happy employees are with pay and benefi ts

Giving Something BackThe extent to which employees feel their organisation has a positive impact on society

My Manager

Leadership

My Company

Personal Growth

My Team

Wellbeing

Fair Deal

Giving Something Back

Exclusive to Insider - the ‘Best Companies to Work For in the North West’ list recognises the organisations that are leading the fi eld in creating engaging and exciting workplaces.

CEOs and senior teams understand that now, more than ever, engaging their people is the most effective way to improve performance and keep and attract the best staff in challenging markets.

* Key Trends in Employee Engagement Summary Report 2018 – www.b.co.uk

Measured and compiled by

How do you make an employee smile?

Ask them.

Measuring with Best Companies gives you a unique understanding of how your employees feel about their working life.

Our accurate and actionable engagement data enables you to drive genuine, effective change - improving communication, cooperation and managerial behaviour throughout your organisation.

The most academically rigorous engagement survey available.

An easy-to-use tool for interpreting and disseminating data.

A powerful engagement methodology for improving managerial engagement.

A nationally recognised accreditation programme.

Providing the measurement behind the Best Companies to Work For lists.

Register today by calling 01978 851 220or visiting www.b.co.uk

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 2 12/03/2018 12:03

When people are engaged with their role and the organisation they work for they are much more likely to be motivated and productive.

The proof is in the pudding. Best Companies, the leading workplace engagement specialists in the UK, have found that companies who have a high level of engagement, and achieve a place on the national Best Companies to Work For lists, consistently outperform the FTSE 100. Their data also shows a direct correlation between customer satisfaction and employee engagement*.

Measuring engagement

Best Companies work with organisations to identify and improve levels of engagement. Through the b-Heard survey, they provide tools and expertise to empower organisations to understand how their employees feel, and show them how to drive eff ective change.

Using a unique workplace engagement model, organisations are measured across eight factors. Survey participants respond to 70 statements on a seven-point scale, where all responses from each region are then combined and normalised to create a Regional Best Companies Index (RBCI) score.

Good places in hard times

The 2018 research reveals an overall decline in levels of engagement across private companies nationally. Employees certainly seem to be feeling the pinch, with the Best Companies Fair Deal factor, looking at whether

people feel fairly rewarded for the work they do, showing high declines from 2017. Not-for-profi t organisations have however fared better overall, seeing improvement in four engagement factors out of the eight measured.

North West leading the way

More than 25,000 North West employees participated in this year’s survey. The region performed well overall, being in the top three scoring regions for all engagement factors.

It seems that those in the North West are some of the happiest employees in the UK for feeling invested in what they do, with a top score of 81% in the My Company factor (compared to the national average of 77%). Strong leadership and management in the region are also highlighted.

2018 certainly looks to be a positive year for engagement in the North West. Jonathan Austin, Founder and CEO of Best Companies, said: “It is fantastic to fi nd the region scoring well across all of our engagement factors. With us recently launching the regional Best Companies to Work For lists, it is encouraging to see more organisations are recognising the value of engagement and are willing to benchmark themselves against the best to ensure they are off ering their people the best possible experience.”

Celebrating the

Best of the North West

The 8 Factors of Workplace Engagement

The list of the Best Companies to Work For in the North West is compiled using the 8 Factor methodology.

My ManagerHow employees feel about and communicate with their direct manager

LeadershipHow employees feel about the head of the organisation, senior management and the organisation’s values and principles

My CompanyThe level of engagement employees feel with their job and organisation

Personal GrowthHow employees feel about training and their future prospects

My TeamEmployees’ feelings towards their immediate colleagues and how well they work together

WellbeingHow employees feel about stress, pressure at work and life balance

Fair DealHow happy employees are with pay and benefi ts

Giving Something BackThe extent to which employees feel their organisation has a positive impact on society

My Manager

Leadership

My Company

Personal Growth

My Team

Wellbeing

Fair Deal

Giving Something Back

Exclusive to Insider - the ‘Best Companies to Work For in the North West’ list recognises the organisations that are leading the fi eld in creating engaging and exciting workplaces.

CEOs and senior teams understand that now, more than ever, engaging their people is the most effective way to improve performance and keep and attract the best staff in challenging markets.

* Key Trends in Employee Engagement Summary Report 2018 – www.b.co.uk

Measured and compiled by

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

How do you make an employee smile?

Ask them.

Measuring with Best Companies gives you a unique understanding of how your employees feel about their working life.

Our accurate and actionable engagement data enables you to drive genuine, effective change - improving communication, cooperation and managerial behaviour throughout your organisation.

The most academically rigorous engagement survey available.

An easy-to-use tool for interpreting and disseminating data.

A powerful engagement methodology for improving managerial engagement.

A nationally recognised accreditation programme.

Providing the measurement behind the Best Companies to Work For lists.

Register today by calling 01978 851 220or visiting www.b.co.uk

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 3 12/03/2018 12:03

Bravissimo are a multi-channel retailer dedicated to supporting and celebrating big boobed women. They sell lingerie, bra-sized swimwear, nightwear and a unique clothing range.

Founded in 1995, Bravissimo now operates over 30 sites across the UK and has a headcount of 799 people helping more than a million customers. The company’s goal is to make a diff erence to their customers, to be honest and act with integrity. With a Head Offi ce in Leamington Spa, the retailer has three shops in the North West.

Scoring highly in the My Manager factor, Bravissimo’s Learning and Development team are qualifi ed coaches off ering support and guidance to all managers and help navigate further learning needs and any requests for mentoring.

Established in 2001, the Hakim Group work principally within the optical industry. They off er practitioners the ability to run their own business with the freedom normally enjoyed by independents alongside the rigorous back-offi ce support of a large company.

Based in Darwen, Lancashire, with around 60 employees, the group currently has a strong portfolio of more than 65 independent optician practices.

Under Chief Executive Offi cer Imran Hakim, who earned the Best Leader 2018 special award, the group have earned a nationwide reputation for innovation. Employees enjoy a range of perks that include exciting events, an employee health plan and access to a Rewards Gift Box.

Formed in 1968, the Sytner Group is the UK’s largest prestige car retailer. With 20 of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers, the Group has 150 franchised dealerships and eight based in the North West area.

Their core values are focused on delighting customers, being one team and delighting colleagues.

A range of engagement initiatives have been set up by the company, spanning wellbeing, charity, social events and awards lunches. The Group also recently invested in a new e-learning platform to empower staff to complete fl exible training.

Chess are one of the UK’s leading Telecoms and ICT end-to-end solution providers, helping more than 30,000 businesses grow through innovative technology and expert advice.

Established in 1993, Chess employ more than 500 people in six sites across the UK, with its Head Offi ce based in Alderley Edge in Cheshire.

Part of the company’s success is giving something back to the local community and charities alike. Staff have taken part in cycling across Costa Rica, skydiving, racing in rally cars to Budapest and more.

Since 1995, Equilibrium Asset Management have provided friendly expertise on wealth and investment management, pensions and estate planning strategies. Headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire, the company oversees more than £750 million worth of assets.

Employees feel the company gives back to the community through The Equilibrium Foundation, which was launched in 2010 with the aim to raise and donate £250,000 to good causes by 2020.

1

2

4

3

5

t: 0808 168 0748t: 0161 486 2250e: askus@eqllp.co.ukw: www.eqllp.co.uk

Wilmslow Head OfficeBrooke Court, Lower Meadow Rd, Handforth Dean, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3ND

Don’t wait until you’ve sold your business to make a financial plan.

Get in touch today.

Equilibrium Asset Management LLP (OC316532) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the financial services register under reference 452261. Registered Office: as above. A.BI.03.18

Plan your future with one ofthe best companies to work for.

We’re hiring...

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 4 12/03/2018 12:03

Bravissimo are a multi-channel retailer dedicated to supporting and celebrating big boobed women. They sell lingerie, bra-sized swimwear, nightwear and a unique clothing range.

Founded in 1995, Bravissimo now operates over 30 sites across the UK and has a headcount of 799 people helping more than a million customers. The company’s goal is to make a diff erence to their customers, to be honest and act with integrity. With a Head Offi ce in Leamington Spa, the retailer has three shops in the North West.

Scoring highly in the My Manager factor, Bravissimo’s Learning and Development team are qualifi ed coaches off ering support and guidance to all managers and help navigate further learning needs and any requests for mentoring.

Established in 2001, the Hakim Group work principally within the optical industry. They off er practitioners the ability to run their own business with the freedom normally enjoyed by independents alongside the rigorous back-offi ce support of a large company.

Based in Darwen, Lancashire, with around 60 employees, the group currently has a strong portfolio of more than 65 independent optician practices.

Under Chief Executive Offi cer Imran Hakim, who earned the Best Leader 2018 special award, the group have earned a nationwide reputation for innovation. Employees enjoy a range of perks that include exciting events, an employee health plan and access to a Rewards Gift Box.

Formed in 1968, the Sytner Group is the UK’s largest prestige car retailer. With 20 of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers, the Group has 150 franchised dealerships and eight based in the North West area.

Their core values are focused on delighting customers, being one team and delighting colleagues.

A range of engagement initiatives have been set up by the company, spanning wellbeing, charity, social events and awards lunches. The Group also recently invested in a new e-learning platform to empower staff to complete fl exible training.

Chess are one of the UK’s leading Telecoms and ICT end-to-end solution providers, helping more than 30,000 businesses grow through innovative technology and expert advice.

Established in 1993, Chess employ more than 500 people in six sites across the UK, with its Head Offi ce based in Alderley Edge in Cheshire.

Part of the company’s success is giving something back to the local community and charities alike. Staff have taken part in cycling across Costa Rica, skydiving, racing in rally cars to Budapest and more.

Since 1995, Equilibrium Asset Management have provided friendly expertise on wealth and investment management, pensions and estate planning strategies. Headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire, the company oversees more than £750 million worth of assets.

Employees feel the company gives back to the community through The Equilibrium Foundation, which was launched in 2010 with the aim to raise and donate £250,000 to good causes by 2020.

1

2

4

3

5

t: 0808 168 0748t: 0161 486 2250e: askus@eqllp.co.ukw: www.eqllp.co.uk

Wilmslow Head OfficeBrooke Court, Lower Meadow Rd, Handforth Dean, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3ND

Don’t wait until you’ve sold your business to make a financial plan.

Get in touch today.

Equilibrium Asset Management LLP (OC316532) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the financial services register under reference 452261. Registered Office: as above. A.BI.03.18

Plan your future with one ofthe best companies to work for.

We’re hiring...

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 5 12/03/2018 12:03

What is RBCI?The Regional Best Companies Index (RBCI) is the most academically rigourous way of measuring engagement. Using the Best Companies b-Heard Survey, employees are asked to score 70 questions on a 7 point scale from ‘Strongly Disagree’ to ‘Strongly Agree.’

The results are then calculated from the responses to 50 scoring questions aligned to the 8 Factors of Workplace Engagement. The final score is normalised for company size and calculated out of 1000.

1 BravissimoRBCI:

881.9

2 Hakim GroupRBCI:

848.1

3 ChessRBCI:

847.4

5 Equilibrium Asset Management LLP

RBCI:

802.0

9 Quint GroupRBCI:

775.8

10 First Response FinanceRBCI:

773.1

11 UKFastRBCI:

772.5

12 The Entertainer RBCI:

769.7

13 BCL LegalRBCI:

763.4

14 Beaverbrooks RBCI:

760.7

15 RegendaRBCI:

759.7

16 CurtinsRBCI:

759.4

17 HIT TrainingRBCI:

753.6

18 ANS GroupRBCI:

751.0

19 Hilti (Gt. Britain)RBCI:

750.1

20 HawksmoorRBCI:

748.7

21 Explore LearningRBCI:

748.7

22 MotorpointRBCI:

748.6

23 Golden Lane HousingRBCI:

748.5

24 The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant

RBCI:

745.6

25 Iceland FoodsRBCI:

744.3

8 CitypressRBCI:

776.7

6 The Message TrustRBCI:

795.1

7 The New World Trading Co.

RBCI:

785.4

4 Sytner GroupRBCI:

806.1

Measured and compiled by

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 6 12/03/2018 12:03

What is RBCI?The Regional Best Companies Index (RBCI) is the most academically rigourous way of measuring engagement. Using the Best Companies b-Heard Survey, employees are asked to score 70 questions on a 7 point scale from ‘Strongly Disagree’ to ‘Strongly Agree.’

The results are then calculated from the responses to 50 scoring questions aligned to the 8 Factors of Workplace Engagement. The final score is normalised for company size and calculated out of 1000.

1 BravissimoRBCI:

881.9

2 Hakim GroupRBCI:

848.1

3 ChessRBCI:

847.4

5 Equilibrium Asset Management LLP

RBCI:

802.0

9 Quint GroupRBCI:

775.8

10 First Response FinanceRBCI:

773.1

11 UKFastRBCI:

772.5

12 The Entertainer RBCI:

769.7

13 BCL LegalRBCI:

763.4

14 Beaverbrooks RBCI:

760.7

15 RegendaRBCI:

759.7

16 CurtinsRBCI:

759.4

17 HIT TrainingRBCI:

753.6

18 ANS GroupRBCI:

751.0

19 Hilti (Gt. Britain)RBCI:

750.1

20 HawksmoorRBCI:

748.7

21 Explore LearningRBCI:

748.7

22 MotorpointRBCI:

748.6

23 Golden Lane HousingRBCI:

748.5

24 The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant

RBCI:

745.6

25 Iceland FoodsRBCI:

744.3

8 CitypressRBCI:

776.7

6 The Message TrustRBCI:

795.1

7 The New World Trading Co.

RBCI:

785.4

4 Sytner GroupRBCI:

806.1

Measured and compiled by

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 7 12/03/2018 12:03

81%of people surveyed in the North West feel engaged with their job and with the organisation they work for.

78%of people in organisations in the North West feel that they work well with their colleagues.

An average of

An average of

26 JMW Solicitors LLPRBCI:

743.4

27 Auto TraderRBCI:

737.4

28 Amoria BondRBCI:

737.2

30 Home Instead Senior Care

RBCI:

735.5

34 RedEyeRBCI:

725.8

35 SRGRBCI:

725.0

36 Zen InternetRBCI:

724.9

37 SolutionsPTRBCI:

722.8

38 UniformRBCI:

718.6

39 EYRBCI:

718.5

40 Profile PensionsRBCI:

717.6

41 ROQRBCI:

715.6

42 HSORBCI:

710.5

43 McGoff Construction

RBCI:

703.4

44 Oliver James Associates

RBCI:

703.1

45 Royal College of Nursing

RBCI:

702.5

46 WTHRBCI:

702.0

47 Go ApeRBCI:

701.9

48 Weaver Vale Housing Trust

RBCI:

701.7

49 Build-A-Bear WorkshopRBCI:

701.4

50 Bibby Financial Services

RBCI:

699.1

33 Harrison Drury Solicitors

RBCI:

729.7

31 Mills & Reeve LLPRBCI:

732.3

32 Together Financial Services

RBCI:

731.7

29 Pennington ChoicesRBCI:

736.7

(Just ask our staff!)

Zen connects people to make life and business better.

To find your Zen, visit zen.co.uk

Zen is a

We’re very proud to be recognised again as one of the best companies to work for in the UK.

We believe that staff who are happy at work and proud of the business they work for will in turn do their best for customers and suppliers.

That’s why our most fundamental long-term objective is “happy staff, happy customers, happy suppliers”.

Everything we do is designed to contribute to this goal.

great place to work

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 8 12/03/2018 12:03

81%of people surveyed in the North West feel engaged with their job and with the organisation they work for.

78%of people in organisations in the North West feel that they work well with their colleagues.

An average of

An average of

26 JMW Solicitors LLPRBCI:

743.4

27 Auto TraderRBCI:

737.4

28 Amoria BondRBCI:

737.2

30 Home Instead Senior Care

RBCI:

735.5

34 RedEyeRBCI:

725.8

35 SRGRBCI:

725.0

36 Zen InternetRBCI:

724.9

37 SolutionsPTRBCI:

722.8

38 UniformRBCI:

718.6

39 EYRBCI:

718.5

40 Profile PensionsRBCI:

717.6

41 ROQRBCI:

715.6

42 HSORBCI:

710.5

43 McGoff Construction

RBCI:

703.4

44 Oliver James Associates

RBCI:

703.1

45 Royal College of Nursing

RBCI:

702.5

46 WTHRBCI:

702.0

47 Go ApeRBCI:

701.9

48 Weaver Vale Housing Trust

RBCI:

701.7

49 Build-A-Bear WorkshopRBCI:

701.4

50 Bibby Financial Services

RBCI:

699.1

33 Harrison Drury Solicitors

RBCI:

729.7

31 Mills & Reeve LLPRBCI:

732.3

32 Together Financial Services

RBCI:

731.7

29 Pennington ChoicesRBCI:

736.7

(Just ask our staff!)

Zen connects people to make life and business better.

To find your Zen, visit zen.co.uk

Zen is a

We’re very proud to be recognised again as one of the best companies to work for in the UK.

We believe that staff who are happy at work and proud of the business they work for will in turn do their best for customers and suppliers.

That’s why our most fundamental long-term objective is “happy staff, happy customers, happy suppliers”.

Everything we do is designed to contribute to this goal.

great place to work

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 9 12/03/2018 12:03

4%higher than the national average for how employees feel their organisation makes a positive impact on society.

#2Region nationally for engagement in management and leadership.

51 The Rossendale TrustRBCI:

697.5

52 AJ BellRBCI:

696.3

53 DFSRBCI:

696.2

55 Stockport HomesRBCI:

692.2

59 David Lloyd Leisure

RBCI:

686.4

60 gap personnel groupRBCI:

686.0

61 Everton Football ClubRBCI:

685.4

62 Edenhouse Solutions

RBCI:

683.3

63 WarburtonsRBCI:

681.5

64 Beech HoldingsRBCI:

679.7

65 de PoelRBCI:

679.5

66 FourthRBCI:

678.3

67 Fletchers SolicitorsRBCI:

677.6

68 Service Care SolutionsRBCI:

676.4

69 Fairhome GroupRBCI:

675.9

70 ZutoRBCI:

675.3

71 First Choice Homes Oldham

RBCI:

674.7

72 STEIN IASRBCI:

673.3

73 AccentureRBCI:

672.8

74 Savers Health and Beauty

RBCI:

672.4

75 PureGymRBCI:

671.2

58 DeloitteRBCI:

689.8

56 My Space Housing Solutions

RBCI:

691.9

57 Marriott Hotels International

RBCI:

691.0

54 The Calico GroupRBCI:

694.9

S P E C I A L F E A T U R E

MC3 is a powerful methodology for measuring and improving the way that your managers engage with their teams.

• Compare your managers to the best in the UK

• Drive meaningful conversations

• Inspire your managers to aim higher

• Create high-performance teams

• Identify and retain your best talent

MC3 Workshops

Engage your managers directly with a full or half day workshop on the key managerial engagement behaviours.

MC3 Portal & Downloadable Datapacks

Interpret and disseminate your MC3 data using our online portal.

Visit www.b.co.uk or call 01978 856 220 to fi nd out more

Developed by

Image: Virtual 12018 2★ Accredited Company

You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 10 12/03/2018 12:03

4%higher than the national average for how employees feel their organisation makes a positive impact on society.

#2Region nationally for engagement in management and leadership.

51 The Rossendale TrustRBCI:

697.5

52 AJ BellRBCI:

696.3

53 DFSRBCI:

696.2

55 Stockport HomesRBCI:

692.2

59 David Lloyd Leisure

RBCI:

686.4

60 gap personnel groupRBCI:

686.0

61 Everton Football ClubRBCI:

685.4

62 Edenhouse Solutions

RBCI:

683.3

63 WarburtonsRBCI:

681.5

64 Beech HoldingsRBCI:

679.7

65 de PoelRBCI:

679.5

66 FourthRBCI:

678.3

67 Fletchers SolicitorsRBCI:

677.6

68 Service Care SolutionsRBCI:

676.4

69 Fairhome GroupRBCI:

675.9

70 ZutoRBCI:

675.3

71 First Choice Homes Oldham

RBCI:

674.7

72 STEIN IASRBCI:

673.3

73 AccentureRBCI:

672.8

74 Savers Health and Beauty

RBCI:

672.4

75 PureGymRBCI:

671.2

58 DeloitteRBCI:

689.8

56 My Space Housing Solutions

RBCI:

691.9

57 Marriott Hotels International

RBCI:

691.0

54 The Calico GroupRBCI:

694.9

MC3 is a powerful methodology for measuring and improving the way that your managers engage with their teams.

• Compare your managers to the best in the UK

• Drive meaningful conversations

• Inspire your managers to aim higher

• Create high-performance teams

• Identify and retain your best talent

MC3 Workshops

Engage your managers directly with a full or half day workshop on the key managerial engagement behaviours.

MC3 Portal & Downloadable Datapacks

Interpret and disseminate your MC3 data using our online portal.

Visit www.b.co.uk or call 01978 856 220 to fi nd out more

Developed by

Image: Virtual 12018 2★ Accredited Company

You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it

BC 10 PAGE SECTION.indd 11 12/03/2018 12:03