On its tenth anniversary, Burnley-based Calico has been nationally recognised as the 15th best UK company to work for, as part of the Sunday Times’ annual awards.

Having entered the chart at an amazing 28th place last year, this year’s results reflect the continued efforts of Calico’s staff to provide quality services across the whole region.

The award recognises Calico’s continued investment in developing its local workforce, providing training and recruitment opportunities and the company’s impact on society.

Since the company was formed in March 2000, Calico has developed beyond its original housing role.  With an expanding range of services for the East Lancashire community, Calico now employs more than 300 staff; and creates more than 40 new jobs a year though its two companies: Calico Homes and Calico Enterprise.

The Sunday Times 

Describing Calico in its weekend supplement, the Sunday Times said, 

“Morale is high at Calico. Employees are excited about where the organisation is going, and profit and budget concerns are clearly not the only things driving the organisation.   

“Workers believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the association and think the job is good for their personal growth. 

“Recognising the employees' contribution and nurturing their talent has been the key to Calico's continued business success and growth in the past 12 months.” 

Calico is the highest placed company from the Pennine Lancashire area and the third highest placed housing company in the UK.   

It is also one the highest scoring companies for workers “going out of their way to help each other” (3rd highest in the UK) and is also commended for its “sound moral principles”.

Celebrating the company’s achievement customer services advisor Susan Land, why she believes the award is good for her customers and colleagues,

“We can only deliver an excellent service to our customers, and improve on that service, when staff truly believe in what they are doing and are dedicated to their jobs. Calico is a very forwarding-thinking company in the way it actively engages staff in company issues and that is why it is a pleasure to work here.”

Calico’s chief executive, Michael Birkett, said the award could not have come at a better time,

“What a fantastic way for Calico to celebrate its tenth birthday!  We could not have come such a long way in the last ten years without the hard work of our staff, and it’s great to see their efforts and commitment recognised in such a prestigious way.

“We’re already looking forward to another ten years, doing the very best we can to make a difference; providing homes, jobs, training and opportunities for people across the region.”