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Earlier this year ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø announced all the firms who made it on to the shortlists for our prestigious annual .

Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.

Today’s shortlist is for ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø’s Good Employer of the Year.

Ashe Group

Ashe Group’s exceptional business and project achievements are underpinned by its commitment to employee development through its Aspire Academy. The company averages 6.5 training days per employee, supporting apprentices, vocational qualifications and management roles. It also excels in health and safety, maintaining an exemplary record. Ashe’s focus on the ESG agenda is highlighted in the business’s numerous eco-friendly projects. The collaborative and inclusive company culture fosters innovation and excellence, ensuring high-quality delivery and client satisfaction across all projects.

Balfour Beatty VINCI

Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to employee development, health and inclusion in its work on HS2. This includes the establishment of the BBV Skills Academy, providing high-quality training for staff and the supply chain. More than 800 supervisors have benefited from its supervisor development programme since 2022, while BBV’s dedication to health and wellbeing is evident through extensive mental health training and support services. BBV prioritises equality, diversity and inclusion, with a 32% ethnic-minority and 24% female workforce, fostering an inclusive culture through comprehensive initiatives and strategic priorities.

BPTW

BPTW is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a workforce comprising 61% women, BPTW actively promotes gender equality and professional development. The firm offers flexible working arrangements, with staff benefiting from the opportunity for compressed hours and part-time options. It has also launched an employee assistance programme and established a wellbeing team, as well as supporting four staff members to qualify as mental health first-aiders. BPTW’s social committee organises regular events including a weekly running club and various social activities.

HLM Architects

HLM Architects’ achievements are driven by six strategic objectives that unify its vision and mission, with one of these to be an employer of choice. The firm’s innovative HLM Academy fosters continuous learning and professional development. Other noteworthy initiatives include the appointment of new leadership through a 10-year succession plan, streamlined annual reviews, and an inclusive I-BELONG framework promoting diversity and belonging. HLM’s commitment to levelling up opportunities, sustainable working practices and employee ownership underscores its dedication to creating a thriving and inclusive workplace environment.

Kier Group

Kier Group exemplifies excellence with a people-centred approach, aiming to be an employer of choice in the construction sector. Its comprehensive people strategy focuses on enhancing culture, attracting diverse talent and offering top-tier reward programmes. Notable achievements include a 75% employee recommendation rate, a Glassdoor rating of 4.2, and recognition for leadership development. Kier’s commitment to diversity is evident, with 42% female senior management and pioneering inclusive recruitment efforts. Its robust wellbeing initiatives and market-leading policies further illustrate its dedication to employee welfare.

Mace Group

With a workforce exceeding 7,500 globally, Mace has introduced a comprehensive career framework, facilitating clear career progression and skill development. The contractor’s innovative learning initiatives, including a week-long Learning at Mace campaign, promote continuous improvement. The company’s updated equality, diversity and inclusion strategy sets ambitious targets, while its supportive policies and wellbeing programmes underscore a commitment to employee welfare. Mace’s inclusive leadership and strategic partnerships further solidify its reputation as an exemplary employer.

Plan A Consultants

Plan A has demonstrated exceptional growth and commitment to employee development and wellbeing. Alongside a 22% increase in staff, the company has continued to offer comprehensive training and leadership programmes. Its focus on diversity is evident in the firm’s gender balance and minimal gender pay gap. Plan A supports employee wellbeing through various initiatives, including mental health responders, flexible working hours and extensive benefits. Its exemplary status as an employer is underscored by its dedication to fostering an inclusive culture and promoting continuous learning.

Rider Levett Bucknall

Rider Levett Bucknall excels in fostering employee growth and inclusivity. Notable achievements include promoting 151 colleagues, with increased female and ethnic-minority representation, conducting 10,800 training sessions and launching the Curious Minds programme. Among its diversity initiatives are gender-neutral job descriptions, a flexible bank holiday scheme and comprehensive line management training. The firm’s wellbeing efforts include mental health support and flexible working conditions. With a focus on career development, RLB’s Global Experience Exchange Programme and Future Professionals Hackathon exemplify its commitment to innovation and industry leadership.

Ridge and Partners

Among Ridge and Partners’ business achievements is the transformation of its approach to employee care. In 2023 the firm revamped its HR department into a first-class people team, enhancing employee experience through initiatives such as its career development framework and inclusive leadership workshops. Ridge’s commitment to diversity and wellbeing is reflected in new policies and strategic partnerships, while its investment in future talent ensures sustained growth. These efforts underscore Ridge’s dedication to fostering a thriving, inclusive work environment.

Whittam Cox Architects

Whittam Cox Architects has fostered an environment that is a progressive, inclusive and supportive workplace. Over the past five years, the firm has diversified its operations and established a 2030 vision centred around people. Key initiatives include the launch of a people charter, the formation of a DEI strategic panel and setting up comprehensive personal development programmes. These efforts are complemented by a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements and community engagement, ensuring a thriving environment for all employees.

XCO2

XCO2 has established itself as a leading employer by creating a vibrant, inclusive and supportive work environment. The firm’s initiatives, such as the XCO2 Academy for internal training and the introduction of a nine-day fortnight, highlight its commitment to career development and employee wellbeing. XCO2 promotes diversity, achieving a 47:53 female-to-male ratio, and supports mental health through dedicated programmes. The firm offers comprehensive benefits, flexible working options and community engagement, further demonstrating its dedication to employee satisfaction and professional growth.