Yorkshire Garden Centre Group Shortlisted for National People and Culture Award

Ever thought about what makes a job a really great job? It’s not always about the money, is it? Sometimes, it’s about feeling like you’re part of a team, that your bosses actually care about you, and that the place has a good vibe. Well, it turns out a local Yorkshire garden centre group has been getting top marks for exactly that. The Yorkshire Garden Centres group is celebrating some seriously good news after being named a finalist for a huge national award, all because it focuses so much on its people and company culture. This isn't just a pat on the back; it's a major bit of recognition that puts them among some of the UK's biggest names.

From one small seed to a blooming business

It’s one thing to have a great atmosphere when you’re a small company, but it's a whole other challenge when a business starts getting bigger. And the Yorkshire Garden Centres group has seen some massive growth. Picture this: back in 2015, this family-owned business was just one single garden centre with a team of about 45 employees. Fast forward to today, and it’s a whole different story. The group now runs seven popular garden centres dotted all across Yorkshire, including the well-known sites at Tong and Bingley. The team has grown from 45 people to over 630. That's a huge jump! Managing that kind of growth while keeping everyone happy is a real achievement, and it’s a big reason why this organisation has caught the judges' attention. This kind of expansion shows that the business isn't just about plants; it's about nurturing its own growth and the people who make it happen.

Putting people and culture at the heart of the garden

So, what’s their secret? According to the people running the show, it all comes down to their core values and creating the right kind of culture. The group’s People and Culture Director, Neil Barwise-Carr, explained what it's all about. His job, and that of the P&C team, is to make sure the garden centres are fantastic places to work. It’s a bit like being the head gardener for the employees, making sure they have everything they need to thrive.

Neil said: “We have a fantastic team at Yorkshire Garden Centres and we’re incredibly proud that the work we do to create a great place to work has been recognised with a place in the final of this prestigious national award. Our approach is built around our GREAT values and the belief that we can only succeed by creating an environment where people feel valued, supported and proud to belong. As we’ve grown, we’ve worked hard to keep those values at the heart of everyday experiences for our teams.”

Think about that for a second. The whole idea is that if the employees feel valued and supported, the business succeeds. It’s a simple idea, but one that many big companies forget. By sticking to their values, the group has managed to maintain a positive culture across all its garden centres, which is no small feat during such a period of rapid growth.

More than just a job: the little things that make a big difference

Talk is one thing, but action is another. The Yorkshire Garden Centres group has put its money where its mouth is by rolling out a number of initiatives designed to make its employees feel appreciated. These aren't just token gestures; they are practical steps to boost employee engagement and recognition. The goal is to make sure everyone, no matter which of the seven sites they work at, feels connected and part of the same team. These initiatives create positive experiences for the people who work there every day.

So, what have they been doing? Here are just a few examples:

• "Lunch on us" days: Who doesn't love a free lunch? It’s a simple way to say thank you and get the team together.

• Free flu jabs: A practical perk that shows the company cares about the health and wellbeing of its people.

• Mental health awareness initiatives: Creating a space where it's okay not to be okay is massively important. This shows a commitment to supporting employees' mental as well as physical health.

• Celebrations of Pride: Fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome is a cornerstone of a modern, healthy culture.

These activities create regular chances for the teams to connect and feel supported, which is vital for any large organisation. Neil Barwise-Carr added: “As we continue to grow, our focus remains simple: listen to our people, live our values and create positive experiences every day for our employees, customers and communities.”

Facing the competition at the British HR awards

Getting shortlisted for this national award is a huge deal. The group is a finalist in the ‘Large Organisation of the Year’ category at the British HR Awards. These awards are all about celebrating the companies and individuals who are creating a world-class people experience. It’s basically the Oscars for Human Resources (HR), the department focused on a company's employees. The founder of the awards, Nate Harwood, said: “As the world changes at pace, organisations are increasingly having to learn, adapt and innovate. The British HR Awards celebrate the people, teams and leaders who make that possible. Congratulations to all the finalists.”

The competition is stiff, which makes the recognition even more impressive. The Yorkshire Garden Centres group is up against some household names, including Dishoom, Starbucks UK, and Leeds City Council. Being in that line-up proves that this family-owned business is a leader when it comes to creating a brilliant work environment. The winners will be announced at a big celebration event in Central London on 22 April. It’s set to be an exciting night, and a real testament to the hard work the P&C team and all the employees have put in to make their garden centre group a standout organisation