(Commonwealth_Europe) In the heart of Cumbria, WCF is proving that a workplace can be more than just a place to clock in and out—it can be a community. The Brampton-based company has been named one of the UK’s best workplaces for retail, hospitality, and leisure in the 2025 Great Place to Work UK list, and the recognition comes straight from the people who know it best: its employees.
Over 370 people across more than 30 locations constitute the WCF family, working in a mix of businesses that include national mail-order brands, pet and equestrian stores, three five-star camping and glamping sites, oil distribution, and e-commerce businesses for garden and landscaping products. According to a survey, 76% of employees rated WCF as a great place to work, a testament to the company’s culture.
Phil Murray, WCF’s chief executive, says the recognition reflects the company’s approach to its people. “Our team isn’t just part of the business; they are the business,” he says. “Being partly employee-owned means everyone has a real voice. People can share their ideas and influence how things are done. It gives a sense of pride and ownership that you can feel across the company.”
WCF has put systems in place to make sure that the voice is heard. An employee app keeps everyone connected across different locations and businesses, while a Peer Coaching Programme helps employees learn, develop, and grow. “When people feel listened to and supported, they care more—not just about their roles, but about the company as a whole,” says Phil. “It sparks innovation, productivity, and loyalty.”
The Great Place to Work survey looked beyond job satisfaction, asking about work-life balance, fulfillment, psychological safety, and financial security. It also indicated how reliable the experience was across teams and stages of superiority. WCF came out outstanding, documented as a place where individuals feel safe, appreciated, and proud to contribute. The business was also highlighted earlier this year in the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women 2025 list, showing that its pledge to diversity and presence runs deep.
For WCF, these honors aren’t just awards—they’re proof that putting individuals first makes a change. It’s a place where workers are part of a team that listens, supports, and grows together. And it’s a reminder that when a company invests in its people, success follows naturally—for everyone.
