Walking into Domino’s HQ in Milton Keynes feels a bit like stepping inside the heartbeat of a brand that never stops moving. From the hum of cutting‑edge automation to the warmth of a team who truly live their values, the visit offered a rare look at the people and processes powering one of the UK’s most recognisable names. And at the centre of it all is a culture that not only attracts talent but keeps it for decades!
Our recent visit to Domino’s offered an inspiring look at an organisation that has long understood the power of investing in its people. As proud alumni of the Princess Royal Training Awards (PRTA) who achieved the standard in 2025, Domino’s exemplifies how thoughtful learning and development can support both operational excellence and long‑term business growth.
A highlight of the visit was meeting Emma, Domino’s Operations Learning & Development Manager, who has dedicated an extraordinary 35 years to the organisation. Her reflection that the culture at Domino’s “gets you and keeps you” resonated deeply throughout the day. And this was echoed by Chloe, Regional Trainer for Ireland, who also accompanied us on our visit and has been at Domino’s for over 16 years – starting off originally in store having not even wanted a job at the time! From frontline teams to senior leaders, there is a clear sense of shared purpose and pride that underpins the company’s success.
That culture was crucial during a challenging period for the sector. In the aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic, Domino’s faced significant shifts in labour availability and skills. Their response was proactive and ambitious. The bespoke Leadership Development Programme, which achieved the Princess Royal Training Award standard, was created to equip new managers with the skills needed to lead high‑performing stores in a rapidly changing environment. Developed in collaboration with franchisees, and delivered over nine months, the programme has already supported more than 520 participants. Its impact is tangible: a 14% improvement in rack times, increased customer satisfaction scores, strong ROI, and the foundations for a full Manager Academy to support future growth.
The visit also offered a behind‑the‑scenes look at Domino’s impressive production automation. Since 2010, the production operation at Milton Keynes has been fully automated, enabling the team to efficiently supply over 500 stores nationwide. The scale is remarkable – more than 50 tonnes of flour are used every day to create the dough that has become synonymous with the brand. Seeing the technology, precision and care behind this process was a testament to Domino’s commitment to both innovation and consistency.
As an engaged member of the PRTA alumni community, Emma continues to connect with other organisations to learn and further develop. Her enthusiasm for shared learning reflects the spirit of the awards and the value of continued collaboration. Her next mission and piece of learning – is how to better support young and flexible workforces, particularly around building recognised qualifications on top of strong in‑house training
The visit was energising, insightful and a powerful reminder of what great training can achieve. We look forward to seeing more of Domino’s programmes reach the Princess Royal Training Awards standard in the years ahead – we’re sure there will be many!
To find out more about the Princess Royal Training Awards click here.
To find out more about Domino’s Pizza UK & Ireland click here.