The Ice Co, the Pontefract-based manufacturer, has been named one of the UK’s Best Workplaces 2026 by the global authority Great Place To Work.

The family-run business, which operates one of the largest ice production facilities in Europe, ranked 98th in the medium-sized category. The accreditation follows an extensive audit of workplace culture and anonymous employee feedback regarding leadership, trust, and inclusion.

The company, which employs 124 staff—rising to 150 during peak summer and Christmas periods—has recently expanded its employee benefits. New initiatives include enhanced training opportunities, monthly staff lunches, and access to the Perkbox discount platform.

Several other prominent Northern firms also featured on the 2026 list. Kids Planet Day Nurseries, headquartered in the North West, secured third place in the 'super large' category, while Newcastle-based housing association Home Group and Northumbrian Water also featured in the top 30. In the medium category, York-based Simpson Associates ranked 63rd.

Polly Metcalfe, Director of The Ice Co, said: “Being named on the UK’s Best Workplaces List means a huge amount to us. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built and the culture we’ve created together. We care about doing great work, we always put our customers first, and we’re quick to celebrate each other’s wins. Most importantly, we look out for one another and pull together as a team.”

The Ice Co’s inclusion marks its second recognition from the body in 12 months, having previously featured in the manufacturing and production sector rankings.

The UK’s Best Workplaces excel in creating consistently great experiences for all employees through fostering high levels of trust, pride and camaraderie to fuel increased organisational performance. These crucial elements collectively contribute to creating cultures where employees feel they can truly be themselves and thrive in a supportive and caring environment. Congratulations to The Ice Co for achieving a place on our 2026 UK’s Best Workplaces List.