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For fourteen years, the British Farming Awards has shone a light on the best in British Farming. During this annual event, Britain's farming industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of its contemporaries.ÌýÌý

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The Employer of the Year 2026 Award celebrates employers across the agricultural industry who go above and beyond to support their teams. Whether they are operating within farming, food processing, manufacturing, processing, supplying or any other agriculture-related business, this year's finalists have been selected because they set a standard for outstanding employee practices.

Through staff wellness programmes, career development opportunities, training initiatives, healthcare benefits and more, these companies truly invest in their people.Ìý Ìý

Finalists for Employer of the Year  award 2026, sponsored by Myerscough CollegeÌý

Cogent Breeding, ChesterÌý

Chester-based Cogent Breeding is putting people, wellbeing and development at the heart of its business, creating a culture built around care, commitment, collaboration and innovation. Long-serving employees are recognised through longevity awards, including financial bonuses and additional annual leave, while values awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate the behaviours at the heart of the business.

Cogent also invests in career development through apprenticeships, bespoke sales training and manager culture workshops, alongside enhanced family leave to support employees with newborns.ÌýÌý

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Wellbeing is particularly important for Cogent's largely remote teams, whose sales and AI technicians work closely with farmers facing significant pressures. A dedicated Mental Health Ambassador network provides peer-to-peer support, with ambassadors and leaders trained in Mental Health First Aid. Specialist webinars also help remote teams navigate difficult conversations on farm, while Bupa healthcare provides access to professional mental health support.Ìý

The approach was recognised in 2026 when Cogent's Head of HR won the HRD Trailblazer: Mental Wellbeing Initiative Award. Judges highlighted the business's proactive approach to reducing stigma, building resilience and supporting employees working within the agricultural sector. By combining recognition, development and meaningful wellbeing support, Cogent is creating a workplace where its people feel valued, supported and equipped to thrive.Ìý

CFMOTO UK, LincolnshireÌý

Lincolnshire-based CFMOTO UK, has built a fast-growing business around an equally strong focus on its people.Ìý Now the UK's number-one-selling ATV/UTV brand, the company has grown its workforce from 16 to 26 employees, while turnover increased significantly as well. Central to that growth is a culture where employees are encouraged to develop and progress, with examples including team members moving from junior and warehouse roles into senior and technical positions.Ìý

Employee wellbeing is supported through private healthcare, an on-site gym and sauna, while staff receive safety, customer service and role-specific training. The business also funds further qualifications, including a welding course and Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification, alongside a 12-week management programme.

CFMOTO also encourages employees to experience the products they represent through off-road training days and supported motorcycle licences, while maintaining an informal, family-focused culture.Ìý

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Recent recognition includes BizX awards and CFMOTO's Global Distributors Excellence in Marketing award. With continued growth, an expanding dealer network and a commitment to developing its people, CFMOTO is building a workplace where employees can grow alongside the business.Ìý

St. Ewe Free Range Eggs, Cornwall Ìý

Cornwall-based St. Ewe Free Range Eggs has combined rapid growth with a strong family culture, creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported and part of something bigger. The family-run business now employs 152 people across its farms and Egg HQ, with its people-first approach recognised when it was named one of the UK's Best Medium-Sized Organisations to Work for in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.Ìý

Engagement is built through regular listening, with annual and pulse surveys followed by action planning, alongside three major team events each year. In 2025, St. Ewe achieved a 96% Engagement Net Promoter Score and 90% survey response rate. Every employee also receives a bonus, while new agriculture apprenticeship pathways launched in 2026 are creating opportunities for the next generation.Ìý

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Safety and psychological wellbeing are central to the culture, with a no-blame approach encouraging people to speak up, learn and improve. The company's commitment to people extends beyond the workplace, with charitable initiatives supporting local communities and national causes. St. Ewe's B Corp certification in 2025, the first egg packer in Europe to achieve the status, further demonstrates its commitment to creating positive impact for employees, farmers, communities and the environment.Ìý

The Summer Berry Company, West Sussex  Ìý

The Summer Berry Company (TSBC) is putting people at the heart of its growing fresh produce business, creating an inclusive workplace for a diverse workforce spanning the UK and Portugal.Ìý

With around 200 permanent employees and up to 2,500 seasonal and field workers at peak times, TSBC brings together colleagues from different nationalities, cultures and languages. Its commitment to inclusion is reflected in a bespoke multilingual colleague app, developed with Just Good Work, providing voice-over functionality and supporting workers through onboarding, contracts, rights and compliance. The technology also strengthens transparency around modern slavery and labour supply chain risks.Ìý

Listening is central to the company's People & Culture strategy, with colleague surveys, engagement check-ins, worker committees and Town Halls informing decision-making. TSBC also invests in training at every level, including leadership programmes, apprenticeships and opportunities for T Level students.Ìý

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Employee wellbeing is supported through financial wellbeing webinars, social events and regular refreshments across office and field teams, helping create a strong sense of belonging. Recognition has followed, with TSBC winning Best Use of Technology in Employee Engagement at the 2025 Engage Awards and being named among the UK's 500 best employers by the Financial Times in 2026, one of only two agricultural organisations included.Ìý