Midlands-based family business and specialist UK and Ireland supply chain operator, Oakland International, has appointed second-generation family member Luke Attwell to their senior management team to take the roll of Project Coordinator.
![Luke3[2]](https://grocerytrader.co.uk/file/2015/02/Luke32.jpg)
Pictured are Luke Attwell (centre) with mum and dad, Marketing Director Sallie Attwell and Managing Director Dean Attwell.
Joining in early 2014, Luke initially worked within Operations Administration to experience the many different factors that contribute to Oakland’s notable customer service levels and to gain a solid knowledge and understanding of all departments within the business. The son of co-owners, Managing Director Dean and Marketing Director Sallie Attwell, Luke’s knowledge of the business improved hugely, and the experience it provided offered him the opportunity to build strong bonds with Oakland’s extensive team.
Said Luke: “My role as yet isn’t set in stone, with the possibility it may expand over the next few months, but at the moment I’m working on projects looking into cost savings for the business. As I move around, talking with staff in various departments, I plan to gain as much knowledge of the business as I can.
“A lot of what I am doing now is shadowing my Dad in commercial meetings and assessing what he does well and what I could possibly do better. To be totally honest I’m really enjoying the feeling that I’m making a positive contribution to the family business, adding my thoughts to the processes and systems in place. Working alongside my parents also offers the opportunity to work in a graduate level role whilst helping to progress the business and build on the knowledge gained from my degree.”
Studying Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Chester University, Luke gained valuable life experience as well as his Honours degree. As he studied, the allure of working in the family business began to grow, with a passion and desire to use his knowledge to make a positive impact on the business when he graduated.
Oakland’s Marketing Director, and mum, Sallie Attwell, said: “As parents we were delighted Luke wanted to join the family business, and we know he will make a valuable contribution to the Oakland team today and in the future.
“Luke has worked within the business for a number of years during the school and university holidays, leading teams on the co-pack lines at Christmas and supporting the warehouse and office teams whenever needed, and as a result he has a sound foundation and robust understanding of our business.”
About Oakland International
Founded in 1998, Oakland International is an *award winning family owned BRC accredited (for storage and distribution) multi temperature distribution and contracting packing specialist, operating both UK and Ireland depots, for food and consumer goods using ambient, chilled and frozen transportation into major UK and Irish retail, wholesale, discount and convenience markets.
Oakland are winners of the Logistics Company of the Year award, and finalists in The Innovation in Action Award category at The Irish Logistics and Transport Awards 2014. They were finalists in 2013 with SPAR UK at Retail Week Supply Chain Awards, in the category of DAMCO Green Supply Chain Initiative. Other awards include 2012 joint winners with SPAR UK of the Environmental Contribution Award at the European Supply Chain Excellence Awards in the category of Contribution to Environmental Improvement: Climate Change, and the Best Logistics Award at the Checkout National FMCG Awards 2011.
Key industry associations Oakland belongs to include British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), Road Hauliers Association (RHA), Food Storage and Distribution Federation (FSDF), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Oakland is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce for Herefordshire and Worcestershire and British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA) and is accredited by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Oakland International Limited UK
+44 (0) 1527 596 222
sales@oakland-international.com
twitter: @OaklandIntUK
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