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Introducing the finalists for the British Farming Awards Employer of the Year 2025

New for 2025, the Employer of the Year Award celebrates employers across the agricultural industry who go above and beyond to support their teams

clock • 6 min read
Introducing the finalists for the British Farming Awards Employer of the Year 2025

For thirteen years, the have shone a light on the best in British Farming. During this annual event, Britain's farming industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of its contemporaries.

Whether they are operating within farming, food processing, manufacturing, processing, supplying or any other agriculture-related business, this year's finalists have been selected because they set a standard for outstanding employee practices.

Whether it's through staff wellness programmes, career development opportunities, training initiatives, or healthcare benefits, these companies truly invest in their people.

Finalists

Quadzilla (CFMOTO UK and Ireland) - Lincolnshire  

Based in rural Lincolnshire, Quadzilla Ltd, the sole UK & Ireland importer of global ATV/UTV brand CFMOTO, has built a reputation not just for its products, but as an outstanding place to work. The business champions a supportive, straightforward culture with a strong team spirit, where staff are trusted, listened to, and encouraged to grow. 

Employee well-being sits at the heart of the company. Every team member receives private healthcare, including dental and optical cover, alongside access to further training and qualifications. Staff development is a priority, with opportunities ranging from customer service and safety training to professional courses such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Team members are also encouraged to enjoy hands-on experience, from test-riding machines to competing in motorsport with company-supported vehicles. 

The workplace blends professionalism with a sense of fun. Monthly "Fat Fridays," bi-annual go-karting trips, and a relaxed open-door policy, including one-to-one catch-ups with the director often held in the office sauna, reflect a culture that values both hard work and enjoyment. Mental health and flexibility are taken seriously, with staff supported to balance personal and family commitments. 

This people-first approach has powered remarkable results. In 2025, Quadzilla won the BizX Award for Best Importer/Exporter, received a Sales Excellence Award from the CFMOTO factory, and saw CFMOTO climb to second place in the UK ATV market. By investing in its people and creating a workplace that is both supportive and inspiring, Quadzilla has cemented its position as a leader in both business and employee care. 

READ NOW: Introducing the finalists for the British Farming Awards Dairy Farmer of the Year 2025


The Wellbeing 51AVÊÓÆµ- Lancashire  

The Wellbeing 51AVÊÓÆµin Lancashire is proof that diversification can be about far more than profit. Founded by Celia Gaze in 2013, the female-led, family-run business has transformed a traditional livestock farm into a multi-award-winning, B Corp certified venue rooted in sustainability, community, and purpose. Today, the farm hosts weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of life, all powered by low-waste principles, renewable energy, and a strong commitment to local sourcing. Alongside hospitality, the farm retains its agricultural heritage with regenerative land management and its much-loved bow tie-wearing llamas, alpacas, and sheep. 

At its heart, the business is about people. Eight full-time and 20 part-time staff form a close-knit, values-led team, supported by a network of local suppliers and partners. From mental wellbeing to flexible working, training, and collaboration, staff welfare is a priority, reflecting the farm's ethos that success is measured by purpose, people, and planet. 

In recent years, the farm has embraced regenerative practices, introduced on-site composting, and rewilded parts of its land to enhance biodiversity. It also launched Conscious Day and B Corp Fest, initiatives that inspire businesses and communities to think and act more sustainably. 

Achievements include B Corp certification, holding the business accountable across governance, workers, community, environment, and customers, and long-standing partnerships with charities such as One Woman At A Time. With diversified income streams and strong succession planning, The Wellbeing 51AVÊÓÆµis building a legacy: a thriving rural business that celebrates farming roots while shaping a purposeful, sustainable future. 

REGISTER NOW: FREE webinar: Diversifying farm income - How to sell direct to customers


Hall Hunter Partnership - South East England  

For nearly 60 years, Hall Hunter Partnership has been renowned not only for producing some of the UK's finest berries but also for cultivating a workplace where people flourish. Guided by its values of Continuous Improvement, Passionately Authentic, and Being a Team Player, the family-run business has built a culture that prioritises care, opportunity, and wellbeing. 

Staff enjoy an industry-leading benefits package, including enhanced pensions, expanded healthcare, a health cash plan, and life assurance. A unique £25,000 interest-free loan helps first-time buyers onto the property ladder, while flexible support such as an Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders promote day-to-day wellbeing. Seasonal workers are equally valued, with high-quality on-site accommodation, recreational facilities, and welfare support creating a welcoming environment. 

Listening to staff is central to the business. Regular surveys, worker committees, open-door policies, and the "Just Good to Work" app ensure every voice is heard and acted upon. Alongside this, Hall Hunter invests heavily in training and progression. Apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and over £10,000 spent on leadership development programmes in 2024 highlight its commitment to nurturing future leaders at every level. 

These efforts have brought notable recognition. In 2024, Hall Hunter Partnership became a certified B Corp and was named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work, reflecting its dedication to people, planet, and profit. With 83% of managers promoted from within and a 75% returnee rate, the partnership demonstrates that its greatest harvest is not just berries, but thriving, fulfilled people. 

READ NOW: Introducing the finalists for the British Farming Awards Diversification (Large) of the Year 2025


CXCS Group - Herefordshire  

Herefordshire-based CXCS Group has built its reputation on people. The business, which provides compliance and consultancy services to farmers and landowners, places staff at the heart of its success, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and inspired. Many team members have been with CXCS for more than a decade, while others have returned after parental leave to continue their careers on flexible, family-friendly terms. 

A culture of growth runs throughout the company. Staff benefit from structured training, fully funded qualifications, and twice-yearly appraisals with tailored career development plans. The introduction of a client-facing digital portal in 2024 not only streamlined services for over 3,000 clients but also created new development opportunities internally. 

Well-being is equally prioritised. A dedicated Wellbeing Officer, daily group walks, and flexible working patterns, including hybrid options and a shorter working week, help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. Regular social events, annual team-building days, and recognition initiatives strengthen morale and encourage open communication. Mental health support is embedded in the business, with staff trained to spot signs of distress in colleagues and clients alike. 

This supportive approach has powered CXCS's remarkable growth, with turnover increasing by 20% year on year since 2020. The business has expanded services in areas such as farm carbon auditing, soil sampling, and stewardship schemes, while also launching CXCS Commercial to support SMEs. 

Recognised with awards including Employer of the Year at the Herefordshire Business Awards 2023 and the Cream Awards 2020, CXCS continues to prove that investing in people is the foundation for business success.


Taking place on 16 October at The VOX in Birmingham, the event will welcome industry professionals from across the country to celebrate British agriculture and the successes it has had this year.  

Get your tickets here to celebrate with the finalists at The British Farming Awards:  

WATER ABSTRACTION LICENCES FOR SALE

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BNG National Habitat Bank Creation & Unit

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FARM LOANS & RE-MORTGAGES

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