Six businesses across the region have been named among the best places to work in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times.

The list features companies that have “found innovative ways to keep staff motivated” and where employees have a host of perks.

It features five businesses from the North East, including Darlington-based training provider Baltic Apprenticeships, a Durham-based solicitors and Newcastle law firm.

The results are calculated using a survey which scores employers on how they reward and recognise employees, how they instil pride share information, drive wellbeing and job satisfaction, and empower staff.

Employees respond to statements such as “I am fairly paid”, “I feel proud to work for my organisation” and “I am treated with respect”, with overall scores being added up.

To feature in the list the businesses must have an engagement score of at least 70%.

Here are the six North East-based firms in the UK’s best places to work:

Advance Learning Partnership  – Durham

The advanced learning partnership is a trust which runs 18 academies. The Times said: “Its 60 employees have a twice-yearly conference to agree standards such as highlighting each other’s achievements and avoiding apportioning blame but instead learning from mistakes.

“The organisation invests in an employee assistance programme including a 24-hour helpline, counselling services such as menopause support, an online health portal plus eye care and physiotherapy.”

Baltic Apprenticeships – Darlington

Training provider Baltic Apprenticeships, based in Darlington, was praised for its support and benefits for staff. According to the Times it offers its staff therapy and mental health support, two well being days, 33 days’ annual leave, eight bank holidays and Eid off for Muslims and a £200 bonus for expectant parents.

EMG Solicitors – Durham

“Cooperation, courage, excellence, integrity and kindness” are the key values at EMG in Durham, The Times says.

Staff get 33 days annual leave, gym discounts, museum visits, sleep workshops and £10 for hitting 4,000 steps 20 days each month.

Robson Laidler Accountants – Newcastle

Newcastle-based Robson Laidler Accountants features as another of the region’s best medium-sized businesses to work for. It is currently trialling a four-day working week. Staff get their birthdays off and IVF, menopause and bereavement leave among their benefits for working there.

Sunderland GP Alliance – Sunderland

This not-for-profit also features on The Times newspaper’s list. It says it “aims to improve patient experience through innovative models of care, a learning culture with development workshops and secondments, and a range of working patterns”.

Staff get 33 days’ annual leave and it offers apprenticeships, coaching, support with formal qualifications – including study leave – and sabbaticals.

The Edwin Group – Newcastle

The Edwin Group, based on Tyneside, officers support services to the education sector including in recruitment, vetting and well being workshops.

It looks after staff with mental health first aid champions, menopause ambassadors and a wellbeing week, The Times reports.

It also runs reduced working hours during school holidays and a bonus and commission scheme.

Some other businesses including brands like Iceland, Las Igunas and David Lloyd Clubs with locations in our region also feature on the list.