Workplace culture has quickly become one of the most defining factors when choosing where to build your career. In a world where hybrid working, cross-functional teams and rapid change are now the norm, culture isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ in the workplace, it’s the glue that holds people, purpose and performance together.
Recently, we spent time with two organisations deploying culture particularly well, Accenture and Myerson Solicitors. We spoke to their teams about what makes their workplaces feel genuinely supportive. Here’s what we learned and why Manchester Young Professionals (MYP) is so committed to fostering these environments city-wide.
Manchester Young Professionals: Why Culture Matters to Us
At MYP, we believe that culture is the foundation of long-term career fulfilment and we see firsthand just how much it shapes an individual’s career journey.
We’re proud to champion businesses like Accenture and Myerson because they align with the values we promote across Manchester’s professional landscape:
community, development, authenticity and connection.
Our mission has always been to create spaces, both social and professional, where people feel welcome, heard and supported. Whether through networking events, industry panels, collaborations with companies, or city-wide experiences. We’re here to help you feel more rooted in your career and connected to each other.
Good culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through intentional actions, shared values and a genuine belief in people. In Manchester, we’re fortunate to have companies and communities who are committed to building exactly that.
Accenture: A Global Firm with a Local Community Feel
Accenture is known worldwide for innovation and large-scale consultancy, but what stood out the most from our conversations wasn’t size or structure. It was community.
April Martin, a Management Consultant, shared how her previous career experiences shaped her approach today:
“I was very lucky to travel a lot, and that set me up really well for a role in consulting, because that allowed me to work with various different people from various cultures and look at how we can land change.”
This idea of cultural awareness and adaptability runs deep at Accenture. But alongside the global perspective, there’s a strong local warmth, especially in the Manchester office.
April admitted she had expectations about working for such a large consultancy firm, but some of those assumptions were pleasantly challenged:
“Due to it being a huge consultancy firm, I had various expectations. What surprised me was that actually within our offices, especially in the Manchester office, there is a really good sense of community.”
Shade Obiti, a degree apprentice, echoed this sentiment in a way that truly captures Accenture’s cultural strength:
“Something that I didn’t expect when starting was the level of community that I have here now. It has become a second home to me. Being able to work at a company that reflects my values is incredibly important to me.”
Culture isn’t just about workplace perks, it’s about having that sense of belonging. Accenture shows how a global organisation can still create a personal, values-led environment where people genuinely feel at home.
Myerson Solicitors: An all together different law firm
At Myerson, culture is built on togetherness, transparency and genuine care for people.
As an employee-owned firm, everyone at Myerson has a stake in the firm’s success. With all teams based in one Altrincham office, collaboration comes naturally, whether that’s through day-to-day working or firmwide and departmental socials. From office breakfasts and wreath-making to Ramadan “break your fast” events, there’s something for everyone. That sense of connection also extends beyond the office, with strong involvement in the local community through volunteering, fundraising and sponsorship of local initiatives.
As Apprentice Rebecca Holman highlights:
“My favourite aspect of Myerson is definitely the sense of togetherness we all have.”
Open communication is supported through regular firm updates and an employee engagement committee representing all departments and career stages, ensuring voices are heard and feedback is encouraged.
“Since starting, I have really found that transparency and communication is a key aspect at the firm”, confirms Trainee Solicitor Josh Durkin.
Wellbeing is equally central to life at Myerson. Smart working, flexible hours and a focus on team-based targets help support a healthy work-life balance, alongside the firm’s Bee Well initiatives: from yoga and pilates to workplace massages, sound baths and walk-and-talk coffees.
Combined with clear career progression routes, regular check-ins and a comprehensive learning and development programme, Myerson offers emerging legal talent a supportive, transparent and genuinely people-focused environment in which to grow.
A note from MYP
Culture shapes how we collaborate, how we feel at work and ultimately how we grow. In a vibrant city like Manchester, strong culture is more than an internal company value. It is what helps us feel grounded, supported and connected. Especially in the early stages of our careers.
