The Publication For The Grocery Trade

Training Investment Key To Growth!

Fast growing multi-temperature supply chain specialist, Redditch based Oakland International, believes training is the key to the company's continued business success. Utilising European Funding via the Learning and Skills Council, so far this year thirty-five Oakland staff have taken up the opportunity of vocational training in the form of an NVQ2 in a range of subjects from team leadership, IT, customer services, warehouse training to ITQ. Managing Director Dean Attwell stated: "Oakland is a rapidly expanding operation showing a growth rate of 70% year on year. We are firmly committed to the development of staff, company services and business methods. "We recognise National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) as a valuable business tool, supporting investment in both personal development and growth and we are delighted that so many of our employees have taken up the chance of training for an NVQ2." Oakland is gaining an ever-increasing number of contracts with smaller producers and brokers needing specialist cost effective solutions, to service their retailer and foodservice customers. Their reputation has been gained as a result of offering a unique, highly professional and reactive service regardless of client requirement or volume; providing a single solution, multi temperature storage, picking, contract packing and logistics service for food and consumer products. Said Dean: "At this point in 2007 we predict this year's business growth to be 80%, leading to a required increase in our workforce of 40%, from 80 to 110, over the coming months. Training is great news for our staff, the business and for the local economy." Tasked with organising the daily demands of routines and workloads is Christine Stanyer, responsible for HR development, Christine is keen to support and develop every employee's individual strengths: "I am passionate about HR and the role it plays within modern business," said Christine. "Creating an environment which encourages retention of staff and provides individual opportunities, is good for business growth and excellent for personal development." Oakland is hoping to create a 'job for life' mentality, providing lasting benefits for employees and for the company. Added Christine: "When we recruit we emphasise our commitment to staff development and our wish that new employees 'get involved' and share ideas and take every opportunity for personal progression, as position is no barrier." Oakland is currently planning to hold a major recruitment drive later in the year. Oakland International Limited Tel: 01527 596222 www.oakland-international.com