The Sunday Times, powered by WorkL, has revealed the businesses that have successfully made it onto the prestigious Best Places to Work List for 2026, and leading South West law firm Stephens Scown yet again features as one of the best – and the only South West law firm – in the big organisation category.
The nationwide survey celebrates the best employers across industries of all sectors and sizes. The results are formed from accurately monitoring employee engagement, with Stephens Scown surpassing last year’s scores in the areas of reward and recognition, wellbeing, instilling pride, and job satisfaction, and maintaining its scores in the areas of empowerment and information sharing.
Speaking about the result, Sarah Atkinson, lead partner for the firm’s employee experience strategic pillar, said: “We are delighted to have been listed again as one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for 2026, and to have maintained or surpassed last year’s engagement scores in all six pillars.
“This is a fantastic achievement and proves that the culture within Stephens Scown is a source of great pride and inspiration for our people. Seeing that recognised by the employees who responded to the employee engagement survey and put us on the list highlights the work we do to ensure colleague wellbeing and happiness continues to have a positive impact.
“We’re proud to do meaningful work for clients we value, grow our skills alongside talented colleagues, and make a positive difference in our communities. It’s really encouraging to see our culture recognised on a national level, and to know that it reflects the supportive environment we offer for people to develop their careers and themselves.”
In addition to its B Corp™ accreditation, Stephens Scown is an employee-owned business which achieved its best financial performance to date for the ‘25-‘26 financial year, all while continuing its reputation for providing excellent client service and supporting its people with their career aspirations.
Coming hot on the heels of 21 recent promotions being announced including four new Partners, four new Senior Associates, seven new Associates, and six new Senior Paralegals, Stephens Scown’s inclusion in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list is another feather in the cap of what is sure to be another outstanding year ahead.
Zoe Thomas, editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work, said: “In an evolving world of work Britain’s leading employers are helping staff forge careers that count today – and in the future. In turn, the Best Places to Work have the resilience to weather the current economic storms baked in, thanks to engaged workers who go above and beyond with a smile. Our winning employers span sizes and sectors – from tiny charities and specialist law firms, to multinational fast-food chains and utility giants, and everywhere in between. The thread joining them is the belief that a happy workforce is a stepping stone to better performance, faster growth, and bigger profits. More than that, there’s a collective instinct that a contented rank-and-file is a worthwhile business goal in and of itself.”
Lord Mark Price, founder of WorkL, commented: “I am delighted that more companies than ever entered this year’s Best Places to Work awards and more have been given winner’s medals. The scores are higher than last year showing a greater focus being put on how employees feel. All our research at WorkL clearly shows that happier workforces drive better commercial performance.”