LEGAL firm Jones Whyte has been named Scottish Top Employer of the Year at a dazzling gala ceremony that took place last night in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow.
The award, sponsored by Trump Turnberry, was the most prestigious accolade on a roll call of plaudits that were presented to companies of all sizes during The Herald and s1jobs Top Employer Awards, also sponsored by Flexibility Works and Lime.
Praising Jones Whyte for “excelling across the most important elements of every award category”, the judges said: “By combining career development, wellbeing, inclusivity, innovation and community impact, they’ve built a workplace where employees thrive, feel valued, and are empowered – setting the standard for a truly people-focused employer.”
The Herald and s1jobs Top Employer Awards shortlist revealed
In the Top Employer of the Year (Small), category, sponsored by Lime, the accolade went to Victor Pizza Company, a family-run business based in Glasgow, while Top Employer of the Year (Medium/Large), presented by The Herald, was claimed by Scottish-headquartered law firm Shepherd & Wedderburn.
Judges chose Victor Pizza as their winner for “creating a truly people-first workplace”, adding: “From mentoring young people to peer-led training, innovative facilities, and community engagement, Victor Pizza fosters loyalty, growth, and pride, showing that when employees thrive, the business thrives too.”
Describing why Shepherd & Wedderburn won Top Employer of the Year (Medium/Large), they praised its “standout people-first culture”, stating: “With inclusive policies, strong wellbeing support, career development, and family-friendly initiatives, they create a workplace where everyone thrives.”
The firm, whose Platinum Investors in People accreditations were highlighted, has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, London, and Dublin, was also the recipient of Best Employee Recognition Programme, presented by Localiq.
Among others honoured on the night were The Scottish Government for Best Apprenticeship/Graduate Programme, Cairngorms National Park Authority for Best Diversity and Inclusion Dynamic in the Workplace, while Hardie Polymers won Best Training and Skills Development Initiative, presented by s1jobs.
The Scottish Government, the judges said, was selected winner of its category for its innovative Future Planners Programme, a groundbreaking graduate scheme addressing Scotland’s planning skills gap while Hardie Polymers claimed its category win for its pioneering, people-focused WOW Programme, which integrates tailored training, leadership development, and hands-on learning.
Cairngorms National Park Authority demonstrated “exceptional, organisation-wide leadership in embedding equality, diversity and inclusion”, the judges said, praising the organisation’s commitment to “bold policies, lived-experience partnerships and measurable impact” which have helped it create a thriving, diverse workforce and a “truly inclusive ‘Park for All’.”
In the Best Flexible Working Initiative category, sponsored by Flexibility Works, the winner was Canon Medical Research Europe Ltd, a company that develops imaging solutions for the healthcare sector.
Judges pointed to the company’s “enhanced flexible working approach” through which it has “embedded trust, autonomy and innovation into its culture, achieving measurable improvements in wellbeing, retention, productivity and sustainability”.
The judges also decided to award a commendation to Glasgow-based Alba Facilities Services Ltd in this category.
Pineview Housing Association, meanwhile, was presented with the Employee Career Development Award, presented by s1homes. Located in Drumchapel, Glasgow, the housing association was praised by the judges for its exceptional commitment to internal career development and support, setting a benchmark in workforce development.
In the Inspiring Employee Culture Award, the judges elected Ayrshire Hospice as their winner, pointing to its exceptional workplace culture with kindness, compassion and inclusivity embedded into every role. They also highlighted investing in training, wellbeing, and engagement initiatives, and empowering staff and volunteers, at the hospice.
However, the judges were also impressed with Newton Property Management, awarding the Glasgow firm with a commendation.
Speaking after the event, Nic Oldham, general manager at Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire, said: “The Herald and s1jobsTop Employer Awards 2025 have been a fitting tribute to the organisations raising the bar for workplace excellence.
“At Trump Turnberry Resort, we were delighted to be part of this celebration and to support the recognition of employers who put their people first. Your dedication, innovation, and care for your teams exemplify the very best of Scottish employment.”
Lisa Gallagher, co-founder and director at Flexibility Works, added: “Thanks to The Herald and s1jobs for a great event last night. The winners truly showed what’s possible when businesses lead with purpose and ambition. We hope their success encourages more organisations to make positive changes – like offering more flexible working – because it’s good for people and it’s good for business.”
At Lime, Paul McLernon, national sales and marketing director, said: “We were honoured to be here in Glasgow to celebrate excellence, ambition, and the spirit of progress. Your hard work and passion have brought you to this stage and earned the admiration of your peers. May this be just the beginning of even greater achievements ahead.”
The Herald’s editor Catherine Salmond said: “These awards are about celebrating employers who offer world-class experiences for their teams, such as training and progression opportunities, as well as creating workplace cultures their staff are proud to be part of.
“It is vital, especially in challenging economic times, to be the best we can for our teams – to get the most from ourselves and our colleagues, to be bold and driven, and to create loyal workforces bound by shared values and clear goals. These awards recognise, and celebrate, exactly this, so a huge congratulations to all our nominees and winners.”
At s1jobs, Craig Anderson, head of sales, commented: “It’s been brilliant to see such a high calibre of entries. Every finalist has shown real commitment to their people and culture, which is exactly what these awards are about.”