BPL Wins Gold and Silver at Employer Brand Management Awards, Beating Major Industry Names 

Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) has been named Gold winner in the Best Employer Brand Management category for the Sports, Travel, Leisure and Tourism Sector at the 2026 Employer Brand Management Awards, one of the most prestigious employer brand competitions in the UK. 

BPL also took Silver in the Best Ongoing Commitment to Employer Brand Management category, recognising years of sustained, strategic work to build a genuinely feel-good place to work. 

The wins mark a significant milestone for BPL, which has been on a mission to shift perceptions around careers in sport and leisure, challenging the long-held industry narrative that roles in the sector are temporary, transactional or a stepping stone to something else. 

Michael Hirst, Chief Executive of BPL, said: “I’m completely blown away that we have beaten some national and international businesses to win this award. Its great recognition to our ongoing commitment to our people and the culture at BPL”  

It’s employer value proposition built around its values of fun and friendly, local and innovative demonstrates how BPL is “a good thing”. It has been developed continuously over recent years through culture, career development, sustainability commitments and community impact. 

The Employer Brand Management Awards attract entries from some of the UK’s and Europe’s most recognised employers. BPL previously won Silver at the 2025 awards for Best Alignment of EVP with Corporate Brand Values and holds Investors in People Platinum accreditation the highest standard of people management. 

The leisure trust operates under the mission of “helping people feel good” a purpose that runs through its approach to customers and employees alike.