Nell's Pizza, one of Manchester's most beloved pizzerias, has been named among the UK's happiest workplaces for the third consecutive year. The pizzeria, known for its giant New York-style pizzas, has six locations across the region and employs 147 people.
People-First Philosophy
Managing Director Charlotte Heyes attributes the success to a people-first approach. "Our values are very much people-first," she said. "We have a Venn diagram at Nell's - we need to have a happy team, to have happy guests, to have a happy business. All three are needed for it to work."
Heyes emphasized that the hospitality industry is built on people and connections. "We can't do any of what we do without people. Young people are able to come into an industry, develop, grow and learn transferrable skills they will take through life."
Perks and Support
Nell's offers a range of benefits, including a Health Assured employee assistance programme for counselling and advice, fully-paid training and development schemes, and enhanced maternity and paternity packages. The pizzeria also partners with WorkFit and Pure Innovation to provide placements for people with disabilities, sponsors a wellbeing walk for local hospitality staff, and raises money for charities chosen by employees.
"We are a small company comparatively," Heyes explained. "But it's important to invest in our people-focused values. For us, the meat and bones of what we do is our teams."
Community and Charity
Team members have participated in charity walks and football matches, raising money for the Christie for the second year. They have also hosted bingo sessions, special brunches, and themed nights to bring everyone together.
Heyes is now working on an introduction to work scheme after taking on her 14-year-old son, aiming to encourage more young people into hospitality jobs. "The change we have seen in him is incredible," she said. "Teenagers can struggle without experience and often don't even get through the first hoop."
Recognition and Growth
Nell's has previously been named among the top pizza spots in the UK and won Affordable Eats Venue of the Year at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards. The brand's newest site is at Media City in Salford.
"We always try to listen and join in with anything that can be advantageous for mental health support, and mental health first aid training," Heyes said. "Really, it comes down to, we do give a s*** and we care about our people. It's baked into the values of our business."
