East Midlands talent and culture champion named “HR Leader of the Year”

Heidi Thompson, Chief People Officer at Duncan & Toplis, won the coveted title for her commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and career development

An experienced employment expert from a prominent East Midlands accountancy group has been named “HR Leader of the Year” at the East Midlands Leadership Awards. 

Heidi Thompson, Chief People Officer at Duncan & Toplis, received the prestigious accolade at the awards ceremony hosted by TheBusinessDesk.com, praising the Duncan & Toplis team and its culture. 

Speaking of her award win, Heidi Thompson said: “I’m incredibly proud to receive this award, but I can’t take all the credit; it really reflects the culture we’ve built together at Duncan & Toplis. We’ve worked so hard to create an inclusive environment in which people feel supported, valued and able to grow, because when our people thrive, the business thrives too.

“It’s a privilege to be part of that journey, and this recognition is something the whole team can share.”

In front of an audience of over 280 business leaders from across the region, the Chief People Officer at Duncan & Toplis won the title ahead of finalists from Champions Speakers, Langdale Care Homes Group, The Recruitment Group, 24/Three and Hello People Solutions.

Heidi is a highly experienced people and culture leader with 30 years’ experience across the private and public sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, investment banking, education and healthcare. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), she is also an experienced educator, having delivered HR and employment law training, including CIPD and Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)-accredited courses.

Since joining Duncan & Toplis in 2018, Heidi has played a central role in shaping the group’s people-first culture and supporting its continued growth. Now part of the executive leadership team, she has helped embed a strategy focused on employee engagement, leadership development and wellbeing, supporting a nearly 30% increase in the group’s workforce between 2024 and 2025.

Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis, said: “Heidi is an incredible asset to the team here at Duncan & Toplis, and I’m thrilled that she has been given this recognition for her efforts. 

“We’re expanding at pace, having made a number of high-profile acquisitions over the past few years, and keen insight from leaders like Heidi is what makes it possible to create a united workplace where careers flourish and talented people truly belong. Congratulations, Heidi – this award is incredibly well deserved.”

The award follows further recognition for Duncan & Toplis at the event, with director and sustainability champion, Sally Anne Hurn, shortlisted for “Green Leader of the Year” and CEO, Damon Brain, shortlisted for “Company Leader of the Year (101+ employees)”.

For more information about Duncan & Toplis, visit www.duncantoplis.co.uk.