Stray Ferret Business Awards 2025: meet the finalists for Best Employer

The countdown is now on for the Stray Ferret Business Awards 2025, sponsored by Prosperis, and we're taking the opportunity to celebrate the fantastic finalists, shortlisted across each of the 10 categories.

Tickets are now available to buy for the glittering black tie event, which will take place at The Pavilions in Harrogate on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Let's meet and find out more about the finalists for Best Employer, sponsored by Jones Myers.

Cloud Nine

Established in 2009, CLOUD NINE invents and sells heated styling tools with luxury accessories, such as straighters, dryers, and heated brushes.

According to its application, the company has been on 'a journey of growth and improvement, with a large focus on culture and colleague experience' for the last year-and-a-half.  

This includes introducing a flexible working policy, the option to work from home one day per week, and increased the enhanced maternity pay policy and annual leave days.

NEOM Wellbeing

NEOM Wellbeing was first formed in 2005 by former journalist Nicola Elliott, who was embarking on her own wellness journey.

A recent employee engagement survey 97 percent of the team said they felt proud to work at NEOM, which is reflected in their employee retention rate. 

After a period of rapid growth over the last two years, NEOM has made 14 internal promotions, utilising and developing internal talent to support the ambitious growth trajectory.

SMR Architects

Celebrating its 10th year in 2025, SMR Architects is proud to have 10 staff members who hold a collective service of 195 years - a testament to the underpinning ethos of the company. 

SMR is committed to continued professional development for the team, at every experience level. Its training academy was created in 2019, to help progress graduates and apprentices by providing a support network, including one-to-one sessions, technical support and quarterly reviews.

It is also proud to be a champion of diversity; with just 55 staff, at last count the office speaks 20 different languages across 19 nationalities. 

VIDA Healthcare

VIDA Healthcare currently has 600 employees across their three care homes, all located in Harrogate.  

Staff undergo a complete range of both mandatory and specialised training at VIDA's bespoke training academy, which was recently accredited by BILD - one of the only care providers in the local area to achieve this.

One of the ways VIDA celebrates its staff is with its very own VIDA awards ceremony where achievements are recognised with up to 35 awards for deserving recipients.

Visiting Angels

For more than 25 years, Visiting Angels has provided home care services to individuals and families across Yorkshire and the rest of the country.

According to the company's award submission, its 'values and culture are deeply rooted in compassion, respect, and a commitment to ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported'.

The latest employee survey revealed that 95 percent of carers felt respected and valued at Visiting Angels, and staff retention rates have increased 40 percent in recent years.

Don't miss out

Tickets are now available for the awards evening, which takes place on Thursday, March 13, 2025. 

Book yours here and join the Stray Ferret and other local businesses for a night filled with recognition, networking, and fun.