Acorn Group named among UK’s top workplaces for employee development
- Perry Richardson
- May 29
- 2 min read
Formby-headquartered Acorn Group has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading employers for staff development after being ranked 23rd in the Super Large Company category of the latest Great Place To Work Best Workplaces for Development list.
The recognition highlights the insurer’s focus on career progression and skills development across its workforce of more than 2,000 employees. The business serves over 500,000 policyholders through brands including Acorn Insurance, Carrot, Motorcade, Flag, Rapid, Briefly and Street Cover, alongside wholesale underwriting business Granite Underwriting.
According to the company, its approach centres on providing tailored development opportunities rather than a standardised career pathway. Programmes include ‘Your Future’, an aspiring leaders initiative, an internal leadership curriculum, more than 500 e-learning courses, bespoke development plans and ongoing coaching support.
The business has also expanded investment in early careers through apprenticeship schemes designed to create progression routes for younger entrants. Acorn said the programmes are supported by a workplace culture that encourages employees to take ownership of their professional development while receiving support from managers and colleagues.
Great Place To Work ranks Formby-based insurer 23rd in the UK for development opportunities among super large employers
Nikki Keating, Executive Director at Acorn Group, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Development. Investing in our people is fundamental to how we grow as a business.
“Our strategy is built around ‘staying small to grow big.’ This ensures that as we scale, we continue to provide the support, opportunities and environment that allow every colleague to thrive.”
Keating added that more than 40% of the company’s senior leadership team started in junior roles within the business, which she said demonstrates a consistent pathway for internal progression. The Great Place To Work rankings are based on employee feedback, with assessment focused on trust, pride and camaraderie within the workplace.
