CHES Special Risk Named a Great Place to Work® and One of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2026

Recognition marks six consecutive years of national workplace excellence

CHES Special Risks Inc. has been named a Great Place to Work® and recognized as one of Cana-da’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2026, marking the organization’s sixth consecutive year receiving these national distinction.

The recognition reflects CHES Special Risk’s ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture centered on flexibility, inclusion, growth, and employee well being. The Canada’s Top SME Employers program evaluates organizations based on workplace policies, benefits, and initiatives that sup-port employees at all stages of their careers.

Among the factors cited in CHES Special Risk’s selection were its investment in professional and personal development, including tuition subsidies of up to $1,000 annually for courses both related and unrelated to an employee’s current role, as well as support for professional accreditations.

CHES Special Risk was also recognized for its parental support programs, which include maternity and pa-rental leave top up payments to 75 per cent of salary for up to 17 weeks, with the option for extended unpaid leave.

Flexible work practices were another key contributor to the recognition. CHES Special Risk encourages em-ployees to prioritize work life balance through flexible hours and a recently updated hybrid work policy that allows team members to work outside their home province and, in some cases, from other countries.

“Being recognized as a Great Place to Work and a Top SME Employer for the sixth year in a row is incredibly meaningful,” said Gary Hirst, CEO, CHES Special Risk Special Risk. “It reflects our belief that a strong culture, trust, and flexibility are essential to long term success.”

CHES Special Risk’s workforce is notably diverse and multicultural, with employees speaking 13 languages and representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The organization is also majority women and continues to attract and develop young talent across its underwriting, operations, and corporate teams.

As CHES Special Risk continues to grow nationally, the company remains committed to building an inclusive, supportive environment and notes that it is always looking to connect with talented individuals who share its values and interest in specialty insurance.

This latest recognition underscores CHES Special Risk’s long standing focus on creating a workplace where employees feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow.

ABOUT CHES Special Risk Inc.

CHES Special Risks Inc. was established as a Managing General Agent and Wholesale broker in 2004, in response to broker demand to a hardening market place, commencing with a particu-lar speciality in the entertainment and hospitality business, later becoming a fully accredited Lloyd’s coverholder in 2009. CHES Special Risk and Sister Companies are a fully Independent MGA delivering “A” rated capacity both in the hard to place, and standard lines classes and support their retail brokers in growing and developing their businesses.

Additional information regarding CHES Special Risk can be found at: http://www.CHESspecialrisk.ca.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call us at 416-452-7850 or email Gary.Hirst@CHESspecialrisk.ca.