As a passionate advocate for apprenticeships, taking on their first apprentices back in 2013, Oakland International, a total supply chain solutions provider, is celebrating their five latest apprenticeship recruits and highlighting why we should all mark National Apprenticeship Week (10th to 16th February).

 

National Apprenticeship Week is designed to bring together all supporters of apprenticeships and help them celebrate the value and many benefits and opportunities they bring.

 

Joining the Oakland Apprentice team are Alex Wheate and James Smith as finance and accounts apprentices. Patrick Giordan has recently moved from their warehousing team into IT and has commenced his level 3 ICT – Information Communications Technician. Previously Christian Stokes now a management accountant and Jordan Rollins now a Strategic Network Planner, originally joined Oakland International on the apprenticeship scheme.

 

Head of Talent Development Kate Hewitt, having worked at Oakland for seven years, is now undertaking a Level 5 coaching qualification funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and equivalent to a foundation degree or HND. Jenniffer Burns joined Oakland International in 2024 and has recently been promoted to Junior HR Business Partner and is about to embark on her Level 3 in People Practice which will lead her onto completing her Level 5 CIPD qualification also funded by the Levy.

 

Said Kate: “National Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to develop and progress careers as each apprentice receives quality training at the same time as earning a wage, and with the variety of course options available they are an amazing way to learn new skills, with every day a school day.”

 

Oakland’s apprentices work in a range of departments and settings from finance, IT, to HR and Finance, with the company’s aim to debunk the lack of understanding that surround apprenticeship qualifications as only for the young, and instead promote the many opportunities they bring to both apprentice and employer.

 

Added Kate: “National Apprenticeships have a huge part to play in a business succession planning, with our finance and IT teams having already benefitted over the years from apprenticeships, supporting team members from initial foundation training stage and continued personal development, through to career progression and organisational and developmental growth.

 

“Oakland believes whole heartedly in the value apprenticeships bring and the difference they can make to both individuals and organisations alike. Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers but for everyone, at any age, as gaining valuable skills that add value to a business, build and expand professional networks, also helps to increase personal confidence and delivers new and exciting opportunities.

 

“We are now in the early stages of developing a Driver Apprenticeship in our Distribution business, so watch this space, or for more information about this initiative please email our team: lgvaprrenticeship2025@oakland-international.com”

 

Oakland International is a Certified B Corporation and an equal opportunities employer and sustainable business with an environmental and social conscience. A total supply chain solutions specialist, and a leader in direct to consumer, case consolidation, contract packing, storage and distribution, food tempering and brand development support for all types of food, servicing diverse markets across the UK and Ireland, the company is also an expert in saving food and non-food products from going to waste via their distress load management service and aim to be the first business within their sector to reach net zero.

Magnavale has announced the completion of the expansion to their Chesterfield temperature-controlled food storage facility, which is now officially open and fully operational.

 

The expansion adds 25,000 frozen pallet positions to the existing capacity of 44,000, bringing the total pallet position capacity of the site to 69,000, making it one of the largest cold stores in the region.

 

Beyond increasing Magnavale Chesterfield’s storage capacity the project also involved a complete refit of plant and refrigeration equipment, renewing the site for another generation and significantly reducing carbon emissions. Over the lifetime of the equipment, CO2 emissions will be reduced by nearly 10,000 tonnes.

 

The midlands-based site is strategically located in the heart of the UK, just off the M1 to deliver outstanding transport connectivity for its customers and their consumers. The site offers warehousing for Frozen, Chilled and Ambient storage requirements as well as a range of value-added services.

 

Amanda Cogan, Magnavale’s Chief Operating Officer said:” This expansion is a game-changer for food logistics in the Midlands and will enable Magnavale to offer new and existing customers the opportunity to expand their volumes and simplify their supply chain by making the most of the comprehensive portfolio of value-added services we provide at Chesterfield. Our goal continues to be reducing the cost, risk, and complexity of our customers’ supply chains.

 

Magnavale Chesterfield boasts an exceptional team, and the site has long required additional capacity to facilitate our customers’ needs. We are very excited to be able to meet that requirement while supporting the local community by creating new employment opportunities.”

Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice wholesaler, has announced that it has become the first major wholesaler to introduce enhanced welfare standards for its own brand fresh primary chicken range.

 

The move, which was completed in January 2025, provides chicken with 20% more space to move around and perch, allowing them to express more natural behaviours. In addition, the birds now have more access to enrichments including straw bales, perching areas, items to peck at and more natural light.

 

Brakes currently sells more than 40 own brand fresh British chicken lines, all of which are produced in the UK under the Red Tractor scheme and will now be grown to the new standards, which reduce the stocking density from the industry standard 38kg/m to 30kg/m.

 

Paul Nieduszynski, CEO of Sysco GB, said: “We are delighted to announce the completion of our move to enhanced welfare chicken. The improvements we’ve introduced are a significant step forward, helping to set a new benchmark for bird welfare in our sector.

 

“We know that our customers and consumers care deeply about animal welfare, so we are pleased to be leading the wholesale sector in this area.”

 

At the same time as introducing the new standards, Brakes has worked with its suppliers to introduce an internal camera monitoring system on broiler chicken farms, which operates 24/7 and helps to ensure that the highest standards are maintained at all times.

 

Cold storage and blast freezing specialist Blue Cube has appointed experienced sales leader Mark Yates as its new Head of Sales to lead its ambitious growth plans.

With more than 35 years’ experience across engineering, operations and sales – both in the UK and internationally – Yates brings a wealth of expertise in sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, water and automotive. Most recently he spent three years as Sales and Marketing Director at fluid power business Thorite.

In his new role, Yates will lead Blue Cube’s bold growth strategy, strengthen key customer relationships and support the regional sales team.

Mark said: “It’s been clear to me from the outset that Blue Cube is a fantastic business with big ambitions, brilliant people and the best technology.

“Our equipment helps customers save money and maximise efficiency, which is more critical than ever. With rising energy and labour costs, we’re in a strong position to make a real difference to businesses across the UK.

“I see a huge opportunity for us to improve profitability and productivity for many more customers in multiple sectors and I’m really looking forward to being part of the team that makes that happen.”

He added: “The fact we’re also offering renewable technologies with our cold stores  and blast freezers  to further reduce carbon emissions demonstrates  our customers’ priorities are our priorities.”

Yates began his career with a five-year Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship before moving into senior roles at Compair UK, Bauer Kompressoren and Busch UK.

Blue Cube’s Managing Director Alan Hunt said: “Mark has exactly the right combination of expertise, leadership and passion for exceptional service.

“His energy and strategic mindset will be instrumental in driving our growth and I’m confident he’ll quickly make a significant, positive impact in our business.”

International ice cream company Froneri announces extension of longstanding partnership with Center Parcs as their branded ice cream partner. The new five-year deal will commence from January 2025.

Center Parcs, renowned for its family-friendly short breaks across the UK and Ireland, is the perfect setting for Froneri’s premium ice cream range. As part of the deal, Froneri’s leading brands will be available across the six UK and Ireland villages, including Sherwood Forest, Longleat Forest and Elveden Forest.

The carefully selected ice cream brands—Kelly’s of Cornwall, Cadbury, Oreo, Rowntree’s and Nuii—are aligned with the growing demand for convenient, handheld snacks. Guests can find these treats at key locations throughout the resorts.

Kelly’s of Cornwall, crafted with locally sourced whole cream and clotted cream, will be available at the resort’s parlours and in restaurants such as The Pancake House, Huck’s, Rajinda Pradesh, and the Sports Café.

Cadbury, a household name in ice cream, will offer popular treats like Dairy Milk Sticks, Crunchie Blast Sticks, and the iconic Flake 99 Cone across all Parc Markets.

Rowntree’s, the UK’s number one ice lolly brand, is an ideal choice for those enjoying the Subtropical Swimming Paradise or stopping by leisure kiosks.

Oreo ice cream, the fastest-growing brand in the ice cream category, taps into the snacking trend with its ice cream sandwiches available at multiple shops across the villages.

Nuii will satisfy guests looking for indulgent, adventurous flavours, inspired by far-off destinations, offering a premium ice cream experience for those seeking something special.

This partnership perfectly blends the magic of Center Parcs with Froneri’s premium ice cream offerings, ensuring a memorable treat for every guest.

“We couldn’t be more excited to extend our partnership with Center Parcs. Our commitment to bringing enjoyment to families of all ages has always been at the heart of what we do at Froneri, and the Center Parcs guests will once again, have access to the very best ice cream – an irresistible treat for every moment,” said Gareth Ropke – Froneri National Account Manager, HORECA & Leisure.

“I’m pleased to announce another extension to our partnership with Froneri. They are a long-standing partner to Center Parcs and our guests love the quality and variety they bring to our villages. I look forward to working with them and developing the range over the years,” said Martyn Smith – Center Parcs’ Head of Procurement.

 

A family team from total supply chain solutions provider and family business Oakland International has smashed their fundraising target after successfully completing the Warwick Half Marathon in support of Molly Ollys on Sunday, 2nd February, raising an impressive £1,620.

 

Running their socks off were Oakland International co-founder Dean Attwell, son and Molly Ollys ambassador Samuel, and Oakland finance manager and cousin Keith Davies.

 

Said Samuel: “Thank you to everyone for supporting us and we are absolutely thrilled to have raised £1,620 for Molly Ollys, such a wonderful charity that makes a huge difference to many young people and children living with life-threatening illnesses.”

 

Molly Ollys supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, helping with their emotional wellbeing. They grant wishes by providing gifts to individual children, donating their therapeutic toy ‘Olly The Brave’ and his storybooks, supporting bespoke projects such as funding a Paediatric Palliative Care Consultant, and furnishing the Magnolia House palliative care facility at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, among other initiatives.

 

Samuel added: “Our sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone for supporting us.”