EKM ranked among world’s best employers

Lancashire ecommerce platform EKM has been ranked as one of the world’s best companies to work for after receiving a glowing independent review.

The firm, which employs over 80 team members, received a three-star rating from Best Companies. It’s the highest score achievable and is reserved for ‘world class’ employers.

EKM built an online platform which enables anybody to sell their products online. It is used by more than 80,000 customers, generating more than half a billion pounds in sales per year.

The company is based at its purpose-built, 23,000 sq ft headquarters at Fulwood which features a free-to-use gym, a fully-equipped kitchen with free snacks, free parking and open green areas and, perhaps most notable, a giant slide from top floor to ground floor.

However, it is as much EKM’s quick reaction to the coronavirus pandemic which has seen it score so highly. It was among the first to encourage its entire team to work from home when the coronavirus pandemic first made national headlines. EKM will continue to offer remote working opportunities when lockdown lifts. This will sit alongside the company’s flexible working hours arrangements that enable individuals to accrue up to 12 additional days of holiday towards a possible 46 paid holidays per year.

Team members also benefit from generous sick pay and pension schemes, funding towards any training of their choosing and support for Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications, family fun event days, free Spotify subscriptions, free parking and cycle-to-work benefits, and a quarterly bonus reflecting EKM’s current successes.

Alison Chesworth, Head of Talent at EKM, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been ranked as ‘world class’ by Best Companies, just one year after coming to their attention as ‘one to watch’.

“Our whole company is built on the idea that people should be able to do what they love. We build software which enables anybody with a passion to set up their own online business, and now we have built an organisation that is officially recognised as among the most rewarding places to work.

“I am proud and grateful to every member of our team who contributes to our culture and our success and can’t wait until government restrictions lift so that we are all able to celebrate this achievement together.”