WCF, based in Brampton, earned a spot on the 2025 Great Place to Work UK list in the category.
Phil Murray, chief executive officer at WCF, said: “We’re delighted to have achieved this recognition which reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring that everyone feels valued, supported and proud to be part of the WCF team.
“As a part employee-owned business, our team is at the heart of everything we do.
“Every employee owner has the opportunity to share their ideas, views and opinions to make a positive impact on the performance of the business.”
The award is based on anonymous employee feedback, with 76 per cent of staff describing WCF as a great place to work.
The company employs more than 370 people across more than 30 UK locations.
It operates in retail, logistics and leisure, including national mail order brands, oil distribution, and three five-star camping and glamping sites.
It also runs e-commerce businesses and its WCF Pet and Equestrian retail stores.
Mr Murray said the company’s success is linked to internal programmes designed to support staff development and communication.
He said: “We are always looking for ways we can build on how we communicate and do it better.
“Because everyone at WCF knows their voice is important, we find they have a long-term investment in both their own roles and the wider business, which drives productivity and innovation.”
Recent initiatives include a Peer Coaching Programme and an employee app aimed at improving communication across the company.
The Great Place to Work survey asked staff about job satisfaction, work-life balance, sense of fulfilment, psychological safety, and financial security.
WCF was also named by Great Place to Work in the top 100 of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Women 2025 in July for large businesses.
The company has a strong presence in Cumbria.
Five of its eight WCF Pet and Equestrian stores are located in Carlisle, Penrith, Wigton, Cockermouth and Ulverston.
Its home shopping brands Country Collection, James Meade and The Classic Boutique are based in Brampton.
Allan Stobart Lubricants and Fuels and WCF Fuels North West also supply customers in Cumbria with bulk heating oil.
