Dukes' commitment to Staffordshire communities recognised with Employer of the Year shortlisting

At Dukes, creating a positive impact extends far beyond the services we provide. As a business proudly based in Stoke-on-Trent for more than 30 years, we're committed to supporting local communities, creating employment opportunities, challenging industry misconceptions and delivering meaningful social value across Staffordshire and beyond.  

This commitment has recently been recognised through our shortlisting for Employer of the Year at the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2026.  

While we're proud of the recognition, the award reflects something that has always been important to us: investing in our people, supporting local communities and building long-term relationships across the region.  

Investing in local people  

As one of the UK's leading enforcement and Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) specialists, we know our success is built on the dedication and expertise of our colleagues. 

We're proud to provide long-term career opportunities for people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with many colleagues building rewarding careers and progressing within the business over a number of years. 

More than half of our employees (52.2%) lives in Staffordshire,  demonstrating the important role Dukes plays in supporting local employment. We are committed not only to creating jobs, but to helping people build careers , with 14 colleagues securing internal promotions over the past 12 months. By investing in our people and recognising talent from within, we are creating opportunities for individuals and strengthening the local economy.   

Earlier this year, our commitment to employee development was recognised nationally when Dukes was named one of the UK's Best Workplaces™ for Development 2026. The recognition highlights the opportunities available for colleagues to develop their skills, expand their knowledge and progress within the business.  

Delivering social value in our communities

Supporting the communities we serve is an important part of who we are. 

Throughout the year, colleagues across Dukes take part in fundraising activities, charity initiatives and community projects, helping to support causes that make a real difference to people's lives.  Last year, we raised £25,000 for charity, with initiatives including our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning, supporting local organisations through donations and volunteering, including Stone Community Hub and The Bread and Butter Thing. 

Alongside fundraising, we're committed to creating positive social value through inclusion, wellbeing and education. From hosting a Pride Picnic and mental health awareness events at our Stone headquarters to providing CV, interview and careers advice in local Staffordshire schools, our colleagues are helping to support and strengthen the communities around us. These activities reflect our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our day-to-day work and supporting the communities that have supported us throughout our growth.

Proudly supporting Staffordshire

As a Stoke-on-Trent-based business, we're proud of our local roots and the role we play in supporting organisations across Staffordshire. 

For more than 25 years, we have worked in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, delivering trusted services that support both the council and the wider community.

Alongside our public sector work, we support businesses across the UK through specialist enforcement services and Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR), helping clients recover outstanding commercial rent professionally and efficiently. 

By combining national expertise with strong local connections, we're able to support both the organisations we work with and the communities they serve.

Recognition for a shared commitment 

Being shortlisted for Employer of the Year is a proud achievement for everyone at Dukes. 

The recognition reflects the efforts of colleagues across the business and the positive impact they continue to make through their work, community involvement and commitment to supporting others. 

"When Elaine and I founded Dukes more than 30 years ago, I wanted to build a business that people could be proud to work for and one that would make a positive contribution to the local community. While the business has grown significantly over the years, those principles remain just as important today. Being shortlisted for Employer of the Year is a reflection of the fantastic people we have across the organisation and their commitment to supporting each other, our clients and the communities we serve."  

- Colin Naylor, Founder and CEO 

Supporting commercial landlords and businesses 

Alongside our commitment to social value and community impact, we remain focused on delivering trusted enforcement and Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) services for private sector clients across the UK.  

We work closely with commercial landlords, property managers and businesses to recover outstanding commercial rent professionally, compliantly and efficiently. By combining industry expertise with a people-focused approach, we help clients protect their interests while maintaining the high standards of service and professionalism that have defined Dukes for more than 30 years. 

Looking ahead 

While we're honoured to be recognised at the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2026, our focus remains on continuing to make a positive contribution through our people, partnerships and community activities. 

Whether it's creating local employment opportunities, supporting charitable causes or delivering trusted services to clients across the UK, we're committed to building on the values that have shaped Dukes for more than three decades. 

As we continue to grow, we look forward to creating even more opportunities to support our colleagues, our communities and the wider Staffordshire region.