Wren Kitchens is 2019’s top-rated retail employer in the UK

Wren Kitchens

Kitchen manufacturing and retail organisation Wren Kitchens has come highest on The 15 UK Top-Rated Workplaces: Best Retailers list, compiled by global jobs website Indeed.

The annually published list is based on employee reviews posted on Indeed’s website. Organisations are ranked using factors such as average rating, number of reviews and the history of job openings.

Wren Kitchens, which employs 4,400 staff nationwide, replaced John Lewis and Partners at the top of 2019’s list, closely followed by handmade cosmetics business Lush Cosmetics in second place, and bed retailer Dreams in third.

Mark Pullan, managing director at Wren Kitchens, said: “We are delighted to have received this recognition, which is a reflection of the great team we have. The success of our business is entirely down to the strength of our team. We are incredibly lucky to have people who are completely customer focused, hardworking and enthusiastic.

“The award is a tribute to the team and the culture they have created. The business is continuing to expand, and we are always looking for compassionate, ambitious and committed individuals who want to build a rewarding career with us.”

According to Indeed’s list, the 15 top retailers to work for in the UK are:

  1. Wren Kitchens
  2. Lush Cosmetics
  3. Dreams
  4. Clarks
  5. Marks and Spencer
  6. Harrods
  7. Adidas
  8. John Lewis and Partners
  9. Ikea
  10. Maplin
  11. Sainsbury’s
  12. Game
  13. Shop Direct
  14. Superdry
  15. Schuh

Belinda Deery, chief people officer at Clarks, added: “We’re very pleased to have been ranked so highly as a top-rated workplace. What’s most pleasing is that it’s based on the reviews and ratings of our employees themselves.

“We appreciate the passion and commitment our people bring to our business and are determined to never take for granted the discretionary effort they give. As a family-owned business, family values like responsibility, respect and integrity are an enduring part of our success and are important in making Clarks a special place to work.”

Bill Richards, UK managing director at Indeed, said: “These are testing times for Britain’s high street retailers. Not only are [organisations] having to compete with online rivals for customers, the tight labour market means [businesses are] having to fight hard to find and retain good people.

“One way [employers] can appeal to jobseekers is through a strong employer brand and compelling digital presence. In our most recent research, 70% of jobseekers said that insight into [an organisation’s] employer reputation is important while considering a job opportunity. It’s clear: [an organisation’s] online reputation has never been more important when it comes to attracting talent.

“The brands in our ranking have successfully created a positive and desirable work environment, earning plaudits from their staff and providing an example new can all learn from.”