Pearson Engineering named a Sunday Times Best Place to Work 2026

The award adds to our growing list of achievements after recently being named among the region’s top-performing businesses in the North East Times NET250 and ranked third on the list of the fastest-growing companies. Together, these honours highlight our contribution to the regional economy from our Armstrong Works home.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work rankings are based on 26 measures of employee experience, spanning wellbeing, job satisfaction, reward and recognition, and confidence in management. We performed strongly across all categories, with every area rated ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’. More than 80% of staff said they are happy at work, and the company scored 80% for confidence in its leadership.

Now in its fourth year, the awards are widely recognised as a benchmark for happy and healthy workplaces. Compiled in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, the rankings are based on feedback from more than 200,000 employees across 25 industries. This year, 567 organisations made the list – with Pearson Engineering one of just five recognised in the Newcastle area.

Founded in 1985, Pearson Engineering has long been a pillar of the UK’s defence sector, collaborating with the Ministry of Defence and allied forces around the world. The latest recognition comes during a period of significant growth and innovation. The company has recently launched a new generation of its MineWolf platform, and is also developing advanced technology such as Threat Sense, an AI-powered system designed to detect and map mines, helping to protect lives on and off the battlefield. Alongside its commercial success, the company has continued to invest in its workforce. Initiatives such as its new Welding Academy, a purpose-built training programme, aim to develop vital manufacturing skills and support the next generation of workers.

Ian Bell, CEO of Pearson Engineering Limited, said: “This recognition is special because it comes directly from the voices of our people. At Armstrong Works, we bring together over 400 highly skilled personnel across our engineering and manufacturing teams. To be listed among the UK’s top employers is a testament to the culture we all build together every single day. While we take great pride in our engineering heritage, it is our commitment to employee engagement and a supportive workplace culture that drives us forward.”