Sunderland software development startup named one of UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech

Sunderland’s software development business Leighton has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech™ (2023) by Great Place to Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, for small and medium-sized tech businesses.

Founded in Sunderland in 1992, Leighton has grown from a small start-up operation to the north’s leading Amazon Web Services (AWS) software development business, with customers including British Airways, IAG, Atom Bank and EQUANS.

James Bunting, CEO of Leighton said: “Being recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our colleagues’ growth and well-being. We are dedicated to fostering a people-first culture that empowers our team members and encourages them to thrive.”

Earlier this year, Leighton was awarded the Great Place to Work Certification™, before securing a place on the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech list, which honours companies leading the way in areas such as hybrid and flexible working, employee development and innovation. Leighton is a specialist in crafting high-performing teams and developing cutting-edge software applications that empower its clients’ digital capabilities. What sets Leighton apart is its distinctive corporate culture, which places a strong emphasis on colleague well-being, work-life balance and inclusivity.

In a recent colleague engagement survey, Leighton achieved remarkable scores, with 97% of respondents affirming that it is a “great place to work,” 96% expressing high levels of engagement, 99% commending the sense of community, and 97% endorsing the camaraderie within the organization. These impressive scores reflect the significant levels of satisfaction, engagement, and belonging experienced by colleagues at Leighton.

The combination of this well-deserved recognition and the Great Place to Work Certification™ will serve as a catalyst for Leighton as it strives to realise its vision of becoming the North’s premier AWS software developer. This accolade will also empower the company to expand its team and successfully execute its ambitious growth plans.

Lyndsey Deane, Head of People at Leighton, added: “Our journey toward becoming one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech has been fuelled by our commitment to creating a diverse, inclusive, and empowering work environment that Leighton colleagues choose again and again.”