18 September 2026
Leading independent accountancy and business advisory firm Clive Owen has been recognised for its commitment to creating an inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive and build rewarding careers after receiving two prestigious accreditations.
The firm, which has offices across Darlington, Durham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and York, has been named as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women 2026™ and Small & Medium-sized Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™ 2026 by Great Place To Work UK.
These prestigious accolades are based entirely on confidential employee feedback and celebrates organisations that are making a meaningful difference by ensuring colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
Clive Owen has continued to invest in initiatives that help colleagues develop long term careers, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These include flexible and hybrid working, structured learning and development programmes, and the recently launched Associate Partner Pathway, designed to develop the firm’s future leaders.
The firm has continued to strengthen its family friendly and wellbeing offering, including improved maternity benefits and policies that support colleagues at every stage of their careers. These initiatives reflect Clive Owen’s ongoing commitment to creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Clive Owen’s latest recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for the firm’s people-focussed culture. The firm has achieved Great Place To Work® Certification for three consecutive years, holds Platinum status of The 5% Club in recognition of its commitment to learning and development and was recently named Mid-Tier Firm of the Year at the 2026 Yorkshire Accountancy Awards.
The UK’s Best Workplaces for Women™ list recognises organisations that are actively removing barriers to career progression, creating opportunities for development and ensuring all employees can flourish.
The Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™ list is compiled using anonymous employee feedback on workplace experience across the sector.
Phillipa Symington, People & Culture Partner at Clive Owen, said ‘We are incredibly proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for both Women and across Consulting & Professional Services.
“These awards are particularly meaningful because they are based on the experiences and feedback of our colleagues, reflecting the culture we have worked hard to build together.
“At Clive Owen, we are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to develop rewarding and successful careers, regardless of their role or background. Building an inclusive workplace is not about a single initiative; it is about embedding fairness, flexibility and opportunity throughout the employee experience, while ensuring people feel supported to achieve their full potential.”
Ula White, Head of People & Culture, added: “This recognition reflects the commitment of everyone across the firm to creating a workplace where people feel valued, respected and empowered. From investing in leadership development to promoting flexible ways of working and listening to colleague feedback, we’re continually looking at how we can make Clive Owen an even better place to build a career. We’re delighted to see these efforts recognised and remain committed to building on this success in the years ahead.”
Benedict Gautrey, Managing Director of Great Place To Work UK, said: “This year’s UK’s Best Workplaces for Women list celebrates businesses making a genuine difference day to day, not just in what they say, but in how people experience work. What matters most is that this recognition comes directly from women working in these organisations, who tell us they feel supported, valued, and able to grow.
“The consulting and professional services sector continues to evolve rapidly, with organisations adapting to new technologies and changing client demands. In this environment, the very best workplaces recognise that supporting their people through periods of change is essential. Feedback from employees highlights the importance of transparent leadership, open communication, and involving people in decisions that affect them.”
“Our research demonstrates that these organisations creating high-trust environments are delivering stronger results, whether in financial outcomes, impact, or service delivery, alongside greater agility and resilience in the face of change. Congratulations to Clive Owen for creating an environment where inclusion is clearly felt in practice.”
