Arden Dies ranked among UK’s top family business apprentice employers

Posted on: Monday, September 8th, 2025

Arden Dies has been recognised as being one of the top family businesses in the UK for supporting apprenticeships.

We have been named at number 11 in Family Business United’s (FBU) Apprentice Employers Report, which highlights the crucial role family-owned firms are playing in supporting the next generation of skilled workers.

Now in its fourth year, the FBU report for 2025 showcases the top 24 outstanding family businesses from across the UK that are investing in apprenticeships and workforce development. Collectively over the past year, these businesses supported 776 apprentices, created 369 new apprenticeships and saw 354 apprentices successfully graduate.

At Arden Dies, we’re strong advocates of apprenticeships and run a successful apprenticeship programme. We currently have seven apprentices, with two new starters and three successful graduates this year.

Our programme is designed not only for school leavers starting out in their careers, but also for existing team members of all ages who are keen to upskill, grow their knowledge, and develop leadership capability.

Sarah Poynter, Operations Director at Arden Dies, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised in Family Business United’s national report. Apprenticeships bring enormous benefits to both individuals and businesses – from giving young people the chance to gain valuable skills, experience and qualifications, to enabling us as a company to build a stronger and more sustainable workforce.

“At Arden, we’re a firm believer that apprenticeships are for everyone – age is not a barrier. While they offer young people a great start in their careers, we’ve also successfully used them to upskill and develop our existing workforce, helping team members at all levels to grow and progress.”

This recognition from Family Business United is a testament to Arden’s ongoing commitment to apprenticeships, skills development, and long-term workforce sustainability – ensuring we continue to invest in people today to build the business of tomorrow.

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, added: “Family businesses are innovative and entrepreneurial, and it is great to see so many providing apprenticeships within their organisations.

“This is our fourth report, and it clearly highlights the growing importance of apprenticeships to family firms across the UK. These businesses are not only creating jobs, but are investing in the skills and careers of future leaders.

“There are significant apprenticeship opportunities in the UK’s family business sector, offering fantastic pathways into lifelong careers – some even leading to board-level roles. It is a privilege to shine a light on the positive contribution family businesses are making to apprenticeships, workforce development, and the wider economy.”

Find out more about the impact family businesses are having on apprenticeships, and download the full report on the Family Business United website.