A READING-BASED HR, payroll, and benefits software provider, is celebrating winning a major award at the Thames Valley Tech and Innovation Awards.
Ciphr has been named Tech Employer of the Year at the awards and also shortlisted for two other awards: High Growth Tech Company of the Year and Tech Leadership of the Year.
It comes after it worked to acquire two other businesses–Shape and Avantus–launching a rebrand, relocating to Reading, and formalising hybrid working across the business.
The Thames Valley Tech and Innovation Awards are organised by Insider Media and The Business Magazine, and the winners were announced at a ceremony on July 10.
Over 1,400 organisations globally use Ciphr Group’s people management solutions, including Bensons for Beds, Crisis UK, Prudential, Barnardo’s, Police Scotland, the Church of England, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Michelin, and Shutterstock.
Judges praised Ciphr for being “a truly people-first organisation, with exceptional benefits, culture, and strong EDI and ESG strategies, which underpin genuine employee engagement. Where staff feel empowered by real, visible change”.
Sion Lewis, CEO of Ciphr, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as Tech Employer of the Year.
“2024 was a big year of transformation and growth for Ciphr – from enhancing and expanding our product suite to relocating our headquarters to Reading and making two strategic acquisitions–our people are at the heart of our progress and success.
“Winning this award and being a finalist in two other categories at the Thames Valley Tech and Innovation Awards is a fantastic accolade for Ciphr and a credit to our customers and employees alike.”
Claire Hawes, chief people and operations officer, said: “This means a huge amount to us. Being singled out as a top employer is a fantastic honour and testament to the passion, innovation, and dedication of our incredible team.
“Ciphr strives to be an employer of choice in the Thames Valley and beyond, setting the standard for hybrid working, inclusive leadership, and wellbeing.
“We’re pleased to be a workplace where people are proud to work and where talent is nurtured, engaged and rewarded.
“And, we hope to inspire others in the tech sector, and the HR and people profession, to do things differently, too.”
Karen Lough, director of people at Ciphr, added: “Winning this Tech Employer of the Year Award is an incredible honour and a reflection of the journey we’ve been on as a business.
“Over the past year or so, we’ve reimagined what it means to be a people-first organisation – embedding flexibility, inclusion, wellbeing, and purpose into every part of our culture.
“From launching our Amplifying Performance framework to becoming the first UK tech company to achieve CIPD People Development Partner status, we’ve made bold moves to support our people and help them to thrive.
“This award belongs to every member of the Ciphr team who has embraced change, supported one another, and helped to shape a workplace where everyone can do their best work and feel proud to belong.”
