• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Thursday June 4 2026

Raising a glass to workplace culture – Bristol brewer among best places to work

A Bristol brewery has been named one of the best places in the UK to work.

Butcombe Brewery was among seven Bristol, Bath and Somerset firms to feature in the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work guide.

The newspaper said the craft brewery and pub group makes sure it taps into the talents of its 1,750 staff with training schemes including apprenticeship and leadership development programmes.

“Butcombe Big Table Talk encourages open conversations across teams, and employee feedback influences workplace practice. Benefits include discounts, access to free mortgage advice, sabbatical leave and additional holiday purchase options,” said the listing.

Cat Moseley, Butcombe group people director, said: “We are delighted to get this recognition as one of the best places to work in the hospitality sector.

“We’ve always believed that great beer and food, and fantastic pubs start with brilliant people. This award is a testament to the dedication of every member of the team, and to our ongoing investment in a culture that values and supports them.

“It’s great to get the recognition for all the work the team have put into supporting our teams.

“We have put a lot of focus on engaging with our teams and listening to their feedback, which has allowed us to make a number of significant changes across the business to build our culture and continually to support and reward our brilliant teams. “

At the smaller end of the scale, Bristol-based corporate events specialist ClinkClink also found itself on the list.

“The 20-year-old business works on events from conferences to opening ceremonies, product launches and award shows, with the team of ten supported by a pool of freelancers and contractors,” said the guide.

“The hybrid working model is highly flexible and benefits include team away days, travel insurance and an annual discretionary bonus.”

Oculus, the recruitment and search provider to the worldwide legal sector with over 500 clients, made the cut for a second time on the trot.

Based in Bristol with a staff of 22, it offers access to Hapstar, an employee assistance programme that provides support with mental health, personal development and wellbeing.

“Clear career progression is a point of pride, with structured mentoring and leadership development opportunities. A combination of formal recognition and unique incentives keeps things interesting,” said the Times.

“This recognition is a huge achievement and places us among the UK’s top companies to work for, reflecting the strength of our culture, our people, and the environment we have built together,” said the firm.

Bristol-based investment platform Parmenion was also featured. Founded in 2007, it looks after assets worth more than £11 billion and aims to value its 220 staff just as highly.

Benefits include ten per cent pension contributions, BUPA private medical care, a virtual GP for families, wellbeing subsidies up to £50 per month and days off for volunteering and study leave.

“There are Friday drinks, padel and pizza socials, plus onsite therapies such as reflexology and Indian head massage,” notes the guide.

A Bristol independent creative agency with 49 employees, the guide says Taxi Studio spent late 2025 and early 2026 redefining every job description, reasoning that clarity builds fairness and fairness builds trust.

“Clear progression frameworks and an in-house coaching and mentorship programme help everybody understand the next steps,” said the newspaper.

“Benefits range from private healthcare and an annual £300 wellbeing budget to hybrid working and days off for birthdays, weddings and first-time buyers. A £2,500 referral bonus sounds more than fair.”

The company added: “Over the past year, we’ve continued to invest in the things that make a meaningful difference: clearer career pathways, more open conversations, stronger support structures and a working environment built around trust, ambition and care.

“Because unforgettable work starts with people who feel able to do their best work.”

Over in Bath, Xpedite – which maintains sea vessels from a Royal Navy aircraft to cruise ships – won a mention. The firm is owned by an employee trust. “People are driven by a shared commitment to doing the right thing. They receive medical insurance and enjoy flexible hours and up to 38 days’ annual holiday,” said the listing.

And down in Weston-super-Mare softplay centre and nursery firm Family Adventures Group wrapped up the West’s winners.

With a workforce of 366, most nursery teams work four days a week, the standard annual holiday allowance is 33 days, and employees get their birthday off plus up to five additional loyalty days of paid leave, depending on service.

“The business is growing fast and helps its people develop through funded training, internal opportunities and leadership courses,” noted the guide.