Duncan & Toplis is built on values of trust, partnership and inclusivity, and as we celebrate 100 years of business, these values will guide us into the next century.
Experience shows that when we protect our purpose, performance follows. So, how do you hold fast to your values while pushing for higher returns? It starts by refusing to treat growth and values separately.
Targeting growth often presents dilemmas. A shortcut may seem financially smart, but can contradict a cultural principle. A deal might look initially enticing, but if it compromises your integrity, the real question is not whether you can afford to stick to your values, it is what is the cost if you do not?
Companies with a strong cultural alignment have been found to be over two and a half times more likely to exceed financial targets. In this sense, integrity is no longer optional; it is a strategic asset that must be leveraged to your advantage.
As a business grows, its structure changes, and so can the distance between people, places and purpose. If culture is not intentionally reinforced, it fades. With a 100-year legacy, Duncan & Toplis knows a lot about navigating change for the better.
That is why we invest in onboarding, mentoring and daily interactions that reflect our principles. It is also why we expect leaders to be the most consistent examples of our ethos. Inclusive cultures are not accidents; they are created and nurtured over time.
We know firsthand that prioritising wellbeing and inclusivity helps to retain talent. Gallup reported in 2023 that companies which support employee well-being see higher profitability and significantly stronger engagement. With such ineffable positivity, it’s clear that self-aware companies don’t need to choose to elevate either profit or people; they can have both.
People notice what gets recognised. If innovation is praised but empathy is ignored, you teach your team that outcomes matter more than behaviours. Treating your team with respect will not hinder progression; it will create an environment in which everyone can thrive on their own terms.
At Duncan & Toplis, we celebrate actions that reflect who we are. Whether it is a colleague helping a new starter feel confident or someone going above and beyond for a client, these moments define our culture and our community. They are not extras, they are not optional; they are entirely essential.
In a world that values transparency, businesses cannot afford to wear a mask. Clients, colleagues and communities are watching for consistency between what a company says and what it does - so showing them who you are can really pay dividends, both in terms of tangible value and how you are perceived beyond the office.
Our reputation is built on more than technical expertise. It rests on a foundation of radical, yet tactful, honesty and reliability. When your external reputation mirrors your internal reality, loyalty follows.
Growth and values are not in opposition. For a practical, empathic business, they never have been. In fact, values can be the catalyst for sustainable growth.
At Duncan & Toplis, we believe in building a business where performance and principles go hand in hand. We invest in growth for all, that is our employees, clients and partners. And by prioritising growth, our business will continue to grow too.
Duncan & Toplis provides accounting and business services. To find out how we can help you, contact us here.
