Family Distribution Company Making a Difference in the Community

Known for innovation and a strong social conscience, supply chain specialist Oakland International has been confirmed as a finalist in the Corporate Social Responsibility Award category of The Logistics Awards, which will be held in London on Thursday 21st September.

Oakland International Chief Executive and Co-Founder, Dean Attwell, stated: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the Corporate Social Responsibility Award as it acknowledges our commitment and passion as a forward thinking, responsible family business to the communities in which we operate.”

Oakland operates depots and facilities in the UK, Ireland and has an overseas partner in Spain, providing brokerage, contract packing, storage, picking and food distribution for ambient, chilled and frozen food for the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets.

The company formalised their charitable activities through the Oakland Foundation, officially launched by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 2013. The charity’s aim is to support and help underprivileged children in need by reason of disadvantage or financial hardship in the local Redditch and Bromsgrove communities and surrounding area, through activities based around four core initiatives of Health, Nutrition, Education and Sport.

Through the Foundation, Oakland International donates money and offers all employees the chance to volunteer for the Oakland Foundation in company time. Since launching, every year more of Oakland’s employees participate and support the charity’s work within the local community.

Dean added: “Launching the Foundation meant it gave us more control of how our money was spent and it provided a formal platform from which we are able to support a range of community initiatives for the benefit of many young people.

“The Foundation has also provided positive employee engagement in the work of the charity and contributed to creating a highly motivated team which gains significantly from the opportunity of taking part in a variety of new experiences and helps them to develop new skills through their time volunteering for the Oakland Foundation.”

The Logistics Awards celebrate operational excellence within the industry, with finalists across 12 categories.