Oxfordshire-based IT specialists Planet IT have been named the No. 1 Place to Work in the UK, following a standout performance at the UK’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 Awards.
The Milton Park–based firm scooped four major accolades, including the top national award for companies with under 100 employees. The honours recognise Planet IT’s strong workplace culture, outstanding service and industry-leading approach to employee engagement.
Planet IT was also ranked the No. 1 Place to Work in the South East and the No. 1 Technology Company to Work For, while founders Sean Smith and Gavin Jones were jointly named Top Leaders in the UK.
The clean sweep marks a new milestone in the company’s growth. Founded in 2003, Planet IT now provides outsourced IT strategy and support, specialist cybersecurity services and IT project management to organisations across the UK and internationally.
Sean said:
“To receive four awards is beyond our expectations and we’re so proud of our team.
“To be recognised as the No.1 Place to Work in the UK is an incredible honour. It’s testament to the culture we’ve created and the talent and commitment of everyone in the team.
Every member of Planet IT plays a part in making this company a great place to work and we are thrilled that their hard work, dedication and client service have been rewarded.”
Sean and Gavin, who started their first business washing cars at the age of 12, founded Planet IT with a vision of building a people-first company.
Today, the business is known for its vibrant and inclusive culture, offering continuous training, professional development, apprenticeships and a wide range of wellbeing and team-building initiatives.
Previous activities have included international trips, sporting challenges, creative competitions and social events designed to foster collaboration and personal growth.
Gavin added:
“We’ve always believed that investing in our people is the key to our success. From training and development to wellbeing and team-building activities, we strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive.
“These awards are a testament to the passion and energy our team brings every day to help us deliver exceptional service to our clients.”
Planet IT has grown to almost 100 staff, delivering 24/7 outsourced IT support, software and hardware solutions, and cybersecurity services. The company has maintained a 98% client satisfaction rating over the last five years and supports organisations ranging from SMEs to high-profile clients such as The Royal Household, The Premier League, Vogue, GQ, Oxford Pharmagenesis and the BBC.
The business has also continued to add to its accolades, this year being named a World Class Place to Work and winning Sophos UK Partner of the Year for the fifth time. It also retains its ISO:27001 accreditation and Cyber Essentials Plus certification.
Planet IT recently doubled its office space at Milton Park and is investing in new roles before the end of the year, underscoring its continued growth and commitment to staff development.
