We’re incredibly proud and excited to share that MTD Training has been named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 for businesses with less than 50 staff.
It is a huge moment for our team and a celebration of everything we’ve built together over the years.
This recognition doesn’t come from a submission or a judging panel. It comes directly from our people. And that’s what makes it matter!
It shows that the way we work, lead, and support each other is not just being seen. It is being valued, appreciated, and making a real difference.
This recognition really means the world to us. Not because we placed in a competition, but because it came from the people who know us best. Our team.
It confirms that what we stand for is coming through in the way we work together and support each other every day.
CEO Sean McPheat says:
“Since founding MTD back in 2001 my aim has always been to build an environment where people can be themselves, have fun and make a difference. So to win something like this confirms that we must be doing something right!”
We’ve always said that a strong culture starts with trust. With purpose. With people feeling proud to be part of something that works.
That’s what we’ve set out to create. A workplace where people feel safe, supported, and free to grow. No fluff.
This award is confirmation that the experience we want to deliver for our team is actually being lived by them.
It matters because they told us it does.
It also matters because it reminds us why we exist. Not just to do good work. But to build a team that feels connected to what we stand for. To help people feel like their work has meaning and their voice has weight. And to know that their efforts make a difference.
This award is a moment to pause and celebrate. But also a reminder to keep going. Keep improving. And keep putting our people first.
Beyond the headline, this award has given us something even more valuable. A clear view of what is working inside the business.
The survey explored six key areas, including empowerment, recognition, information sharing, and wellbeing.
And while the recognition matters, what we’re most proud of is the consistency in the data.
Positive, meaningful, and well above the benchmarks that count.
Here’s what stood out:
Some of our team with copies of the Sunday Times
91% said they feel recognised for their efforts.
That tells us our culture of appreciation is not just intention. It is being felt.
Recognition at MTD is not about big gestures. It is about being seen, supported, and acknowledged in the everyday. And the impact is clear!
Our flight risk score (the percentage of employees with a high chance of leaving in the next 9 months) is just 4%. This is compared to 42% across the industry and 40% globally. Proving that when people feel valued, they stay.
One of our newest additions to the team, L&D Advisor Danielle Hutchins, shared her thoughts about making a big career change from optics to learning and development when joining MTD:
“I never thought I’d go from dreading Monday morning to loving every minute of every day, but at MTD, I’ve found my people and a culture where I can truly be myself. I feel valued, have made friends for life and have grown personally and professionally.”
88% believe information is shared effectively across the business.
And 89% said they have confidence in the management of the company.
Trust is built through transparency. It is not just what leaders say. It is how openly they share, how clearly they communicate, and how consistently they show up.
With 89% of our team expressing confidence in management (compared to 74% across our industry and 76% globally) we are proud to be well above the benchmark.
Our Finance Manager, Emily Hayward, captured what trust and support at MTD truly feels like in her day-to-day experience:
“What I love most about working at MTD is the support from my team and managers, the freedom to try new ideas and the flexibility that makes work-life balance possible. The environment is so positive, and the social side – whether it’s team lunches or events – makes it a genuinely great place to be. I honestly don’t dread Mondays anymore!”
85% rated their wellbeing positively. That matters more than anything else!
A happy team is not the result of perks or quick wins. It comes from feeling respected, safe, and supported in the day to day – and from thoughtful touches like Furwell Leave to support people through life’s harder moments.
We scored an “Excellent” diversity and inclusion rating, with only a 3-point difference in experience between majority and minority groups. This is compared to minus 1 industry and minus 1 global benchmarks.
Our wellbeing risk index also stood out, with only 4% of employees at risk of poor wellbeing. This compares to 42% across the industry and 39% globally.
That puts us firmly in the excellent category and reinforces that our culture is doing what it is meant to do – supporting people through genuine diversity and inclusion.
Louise Denny, our Head of Learning & Development, has been part of MTD for 14 years, having joined straight from university and grown with the business ever since. Reflecting on her journey, she shared:
“MTD has always been a company built with support at its core. From my very first role to now leading the L&D function, I’ve been encouraged to stretch, grow and achieve goals I never thought possible. Most recently, I completed my Level 5 leadership apprenticeship with a distinction – an achievement I’m really proud of, especially as I balanced working and learning with becoming a first-time parent! The flexibility, trust and genuine care I’ve experienced over the years have made all the difference. MTD understands that people do their best when they feel their best, and that kind of support doesn’t just help you succeed at work – it helps you succeed in life.”
And finally, and perhaps most importantly, our teams feel empowered in their role.
88% said they feel empowered in their day to day.
As a company that specialises in leadership and management development, this matters! It shows that we are not just teaching these principles to others but we are living them ourselves.
Andrew Cull, our Digital Learning Consultant, shared how MTD’s culture of encouragement and flexibility helps him thrive:
“Our business has supported me to take on a new role and develop my skills, and the environment – along with the people – is the most genuine I’ve experienced. We’re also encouraged to think creatively and bring new ideas to the table, which makes a real difference to feeling valued and involved.”
Empowerment at MTD means people have the confidence, support, and freedom to lead in their own way. It is not about having all the answers. It is about knowing you are trusted to make decisions that count.
Sean McPheat – CEO, and Kelli Grinter – COO
This is a proud moment for all of us at MTD Training. But it is not the end goal…
The feedback we received gave us a clear view of what’s working and where we can keep improving. And we will!
We’ll keep listening. We’ll keep asking the tough questions. And we’ll keep doing the things that make this a place where people want to be.
Recognition matters. But real culture lives everyday.
We also hope this inspires other organisations to look beyond perks and surface-level fixes. By prioritising open communication, leadership transparency and everyday recognition, you too can build a culture where people feel trusted, empowered, and genuinely connected to the company’s purpose.
Thank you to our team. This award belongs to you!
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For media enquiries, please contact: Lewis McKinnell
Email: [email protected]
Updated on: 27 May, 2025
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