Equilibrium ranked 8th best place to work in Sunday Times Best 100 Small Companies list

Equilibrium Asset Management has been named one of the top 10 Best Small Companies to work for in the UK by The Sunday Times – the only company on the list to do so for three years running.

Wilmslow-based Equilibrium, which ranked in ninth position in 2018, was the highest-ranking wealth management company in the UK-wide list at this week’s ceremony in London.

It also scooped the special “Innovation for Engagement Practice” award for the second year in a row.

The list, which ranks the 100 best small companies, is based on a survey in which staff anonymously score their employers based on several metrics, including wellbeing leadership and personal growth.

Companies submitting to The Sunday Times Best 100 Small Companies to Work for 2019 – SMEs with 50 – 250 full-time employees – are also asked to demonstrate evidence of community engagement, charitable initiatives and environmental practices.

Equilibrium Managing Partner, Gaynor Rigby, described securing a place on the list for the third year in a row as “phenomenal”.

She said: “To be on the list for three consecutive years, and to also rank higher than last year, is a brilliant achievement for the entire team. It comes off the back of a momentous 12 months for Equilibrium, in which we grew our headcount again, outlined our company Vivid Vision and hit a record turnover.

“It’s crucial to us that as we continue to grow, our company culture remains at the core of everything we do. This achievement is testament to the fact that we’ve managed to do that, and we’re thrilled it’s been recognised in this way.

“We were early champions of investing in our workforce wellbeing, and understand the importance of nurturing talent so that employees feel happy, safe, and capable of doing incredible things.

“As you can imagine everyone here at Equilibrium is beaming from ear to ear – it’s a great feeling for the whole team.”

The firm’s third appearance in “The Sunday Times’ Best 100 Small Companies to Work For” comes after years of sustained growth, overseen by Founder Colin Lawson who first started the business from his bedroom in 1995.

Headquartered in Wilmslow, and with an office in Chester, Equilibrium now employs 81 staff and became an £8.9 million turnover outfit at the end of its last fiscal year in 2018.

The company recently revealed its 2021 “Vivid Vision”, a number of targets planned across several months in which it outlines goals to increase staff headcount to 110 and become the largest wealth management firm in Cheshire.

Head of Culture, Sarah Warburton – who picked up the award at the Battersea Evolution-based event on Wednesday night – spoke further of Equilibrium’s approach to culture added;

“We have worked so hard to map out and live by our values as a business, and we’re beyond delighted that The Sunday Times and Best Companies have continued to recognise the effort we’ve put in as a team.

“Giving back to the community and supporting charitable causes through The Equilibrium Foundation is something we are all incredibly passionate about.

“From our own team undertaking fundraising events to the external funding we provide to individuals and organisations across the community through our Community Support Schemes in Cheshire East, Chester and now Greater Manchester – it’s great to see that these efforts are appreciated.”

Organisers of the ‘The Sunday Times Best Small 100 Companies To Work For’ also credited Equilibrium’s working culture.

They said: “Breakfast every morning ensures that employees are raring to go at this wealth management company after a chat over coffee and bagels. Then, at the end of the day, the office is locked at 6pm to make sure nobody works late. Important milestones and birthdays aren’t overlooked either – employees are rewarded with a unique and thoughtful gift that is personal to them. On top of this, everybody gets at least 26 days of holiday a year.

“The company tries to encourage movement, with posters around the office motivating employees to get up and talk to their colleagues rather than send an email or call them. They have also partnered with Cheshire Active, a local charity that promotes activity in the workplace.

“Each year, Equilibrium have an end-of-year briefing for the whole company. In 2018, the team went axe throwing and to escape rooms in Manchester for a morning of fun. They then had lunch at a boutique hotel, followed by presentations and prize-giving.”

They added: “The philosophy has paid off – staff rank Equilibrium highly when it comes to wellbeing (96% positive), and 93% of staff are satisfied with the pay and benefits they receive.”