Product design and development firm Cambridge Consultants has achieved 3-star accreditation from Best Companies for “extraordinary” workplace engagement – up from 2-star “outstanding” engagement in the previous two years. Survey responses from its own staff have again placed it in the list of The Sunday Times 100 Best Mid-Sized Companies to Work For – for the third year running.
“I am extremely pleased with this achievement – but I didn't need Best Companies to tell me our staff are special,” said Alan Richardson, CEO of Cambridge Consultants. “There isn't a day that goes by when someone doesn't impress me with something fantastic. From award-winning medical devices to unique wireless breakthroughs and radical new consumer and industrial product developments, our world-class team creates amazing technology that really makes a difference to people’s lives.”
The 3-star accreditation is due to Cambridge Consultants achieving a high score in the Best Companies survey, which examines various aspects of company life to reveal how employees really perceive their work environment. The survey covers topics ranging from team spirit, and how well staff feel they are treated, to how proud employees are to work for their company – and whether they think their organisation puts something back into society. Last year, for example, saw a tenfold increase in the amount raised by the staff and the company for their chosen ‘charity of the year’, compared with five years ago.
“Our ambitious expansion plans have seen the company double in size to more than 540 people in just four years – and we’re still growing,” said Richardson. “But at the same time we’re keen to preserve our unique working culture and ensure our staff feel the same sense of belonging as they did when we were a smaller organisation. So it’s great that our staff still think we are one of the best companies to work for in the UK.”
Employees at Cambridge Consultants receive free lunches and refreshments, as well as a comprehensive healthcare package and a performance-related bonus scheme – and half a million pounds a year is invested in training. An active social club gives the company a 'family feel', and it has a culture of care, support and teamwork. The company recruited 110 people last year – and plans to add a further 100 or more during 2016.
Jonathan Austin, CEO and founder of Best Companies, said: “Our role at Best Companies is to support and encourage organisations to be great workplaces for their employees. An engaged workforce means happier, more productive and committed employees, which is clearly good news for all. We are delighted to recognise Cambridge Consultants by awarding it 3-star status in our accreditation standard.”
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