Cambridge Enterprise recognised as a World Class employer and one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK

Cambridge Enterprise has been recognised by Best Companies for its workplace culture and engagement, ranking in the top ten medium-sized Best Companies to Work for in the UK and in the top five in regional and sector categories.

In addition, Cambridge Enterprise has been awarded highest possible Three Star accreditation by Best Companies, officially recognising it as a World Class Company to Work For.

Best Companies accreditation represents the highest standard of workplace excellence, recognising organisations that genuinely put their people first. A Three Star Accreditation represents “World Class” levels of workplace engagement. Cambridge Enterprise is one of only 43 companies in the UK awarded Three Star Accreditation this year.

In the medium category for businesses with 100-249 employees, Cambridge Enterprise has been ranked tenth Best Company to Work For nationally. The organisation also ranked highly across regional and sector categories, placing 5th for the East of England and 4th in the Education and Training sector.

As the innovation arm of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Enterprise connects, empowers and enables the transformation of Cambridge research into global impact. The organisation has cultivated a supportive, purpose-driven culture, which fuels the organisation’s mission to make a difference in the world.

A key to its success is a holistic approach to employee wellbeing and development. The organisation invests in its people through initiatives such as free private medical insurance, menopause support, mental health resources, and a clear career framework. Recognition and social activities, such as Spotlight awards, walking club, and regular in-person social events. This combination of robust support, clear career paths, and a vibrant community creates a deeply engaged and high-performing team.

This is reflected in the feedback from over 100 staff members who participated in the Best Companies survey. 85% of staff agreed that the job is good for their own personal growth, highlighting the career development roadmap and the company’s approach to training, learning and development.

Relationships with managers are strong too, with an excellent manager rating of 8.6 out of 10 and with 95% of staff feeling that they can speak with their manager when work is difficult.
The organisation’s strong social conscience is also recognised by staff, with 94% recognising efforts such as support for charitable efforts and environmental responsibility programmes.

Dr Jim Glasheen continued:

“What stands out to me is the genuinely warm, collaborative spirit that defines our culture. There’s a supportive and informal undertone here that sets us apart and fuels innovation. Our success is built on the curiosity, resilience, and adaptability of our people – qualities that enable us to scale impact, embrace risk, and connect world-class research with real-world applications. I’m proud to be part of a community where people lift each other up and where our collective ambition drives us to achieve more, together.”

Michelle Zappala-Wood, Head of People & Culture at Cambridge Enterprise, said:

“Our people are at the heart of everything Cambridge Enterprise does. Their talent, creativity, and commitment are what make our impact possible, and we work hard to create an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to thrive. Being recognised in the Best Companies awards is a source of real pride, as it reflects the culture our people have built together and the strength of the community that makes Cambridge Enterprise such a special place to work.”