ROL Cruise and Barrhead Travel named among ‘best companies to work for in UK’

ROL Cruise and Barrhead Travel have been named in the Best Companies rankings of the top places to work in the UK.

The cruise agency took second place in the list of mid-sized companies and first place in the leisure and hospitality category, while Barrhead Travel achieved 41st place among large

businesses.

Best Companies forms its rankings based on employee feedback, with anonymous surveys covering topics including employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, diversity, benefits and development opportunities.

Barrhead Travel also placed seventh in the leisure and hospitality section, as well as placing 27th in the regional list for the north-west, 19th for Yorkshire and Humber, and 11th for Scotland.

ROL Cruise was named as the best employer in the east of England.

Rosie Cairns, the agency’s chief executive, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be recognised as one of the best companies to work for in 2025.

“This award means so much because it’s based on direct feedback from our co-owners. 

“It’s a true reflection of the passion, teamwork and pride that define ROL Cruise. As an employee-owned business, our people are at the heart of everything we do – and this achievement belongs to them.” 

The lists were unveiled on November 13, and Barrhead Travel celebrated its performance during the company’s 50th birthday celebrations held in Glasgow three days later. A total of 450 colleagues attended.

Barrhead Travel president Jacqueline Dobson highlighted the performance in the large companies category as “an absolutely tremendous achievement”.

She added: “What makes this award particularly special is the fact that it’s decided completely by our people. Anonymous surveys go to all employees, giving our team the chance to provide genuine insight on what it’s like to work here.

“We’ve had a laser focus on our people in recent years – listening, learning and acting on the feedback we receive. Ultimately, we want it to be our people that shape our culture and our future, so it’s important to us that change is driven from within.

“Seeing our results in this year’s Best Companies list reaffirms that our people-first strategy is resonating across the business and we’re really excited for the year ahead.”

Businesses in the large category have 250 - 1,999 full-time employees, while the mid-sized category is for firms with 100 - 249 full-time staff.