At Connect Catering, we have always believed that great food starts with great people. That is why we're incredibly proud to share that we have been recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 list.

The nationwide employee engagement survey measures key areas, including wellbeing, empowerment, leadership, reward and recognition, and job satisfaction. Our results highlighted the positive culture our teams have helped build across the business and the importance we place on supporting our people.

Outstanding Employee Engagement

We achieved an overall employee engagement score of 88%, rated 'Excellent' and 8% above the hospitality sector average.

The results also highlighted exceptionally strong wellbeing and retention indicators across the business:

• Only 4% of employees were identified as being at risk of poor wellbeing, compared to a hospitality benchmark of 38%
• Just 6% of employees were considered a potential "flight risk", significantly lower than the hospitality benchmark of 40%
• 93% of employees said they feel safe in their working environment
• 92% said they have a good relationship with their manager
• 89% said they feel proud to work for Connect Catering

These results are especially meaningful in the hospitality and catering sector, where recruitment, retention and employee wellbeing continue to be major industry challenges.

A Culture Built Around People

As a family-owned and run business, people have always been at the centre of how we operate. Since 1989, we have focused on creating a supportive, inclusive and rewarding environment where colleagues feel valued and empowered to grow.

Across our independent and SEND schools, workplaces and care settings, our teams work incredibly hard every day to deliver fresh food and exceptional service. We believe that when our colleagues feel engaged and supported, it creates a better experience for our clients and customers too.

Victoria Murrell, CEO at Connect Catering said:

"We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and these results reflect the positive, supportive culture we have worked hard to build across the business.

"Hospitality and catering can be fast-paced industries, so creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to develop is hugely important to us. This achievement belongs to every member of the Connect Catering team.”

Looking Ahead

Alongside investment in employee development and wellbeing initiatives, we remain committed to wider social value programmes, including donating to a number of charitable causes each year, providing employees with paid volunteering days and matching staff fundraising donations.

As we continue to grow across the education, business and industry, and care sectors, we remain committed to supporting our teams, strengthening workplace culture and delivering exceptional service for our clients and customers.

We would like to thank every member of the Connect Catering team for their passion, professionalism and contribution to this achievement.