A leadership development programme launched by total supply chain solutions specialist Oakland International in early 2021 is now celebrating the Programme’s first team graduates.

Working in partnership with the Brathay Trust in the Lake District, Oakland’s newest professional development initiative is designed to cultivate and nurture leaders of the future based around a programme of challenging practical indoor and outdoor team exercises of face-to-face workshops and interactive digital sessions, on and offline discussion groups and residential leadership development at Brathay Hall on the shores of Windermere. The programme enhances leadership performance, behaviours, builds trust, inspire collaborative working, change mindsets, boost wellbeing and increases personal resilience.

One of the team of ten employees from across the business to undertake and graduate from the programme is Oakland International Operations Manager Alex Cullen who said: “Oakland’s Brathay leadership and self-development training course aims to increase understanding and aid the emotional growth of the company’s future leaders.

“We, as the first Brathay team, are extremely grateful for the time and effort given to us. It shows a company that cares and wants to secure its future. They trust us to better ourselves and want us to develop and progress and I have really enjoyed my time on the programme, and together with my team we have shown what we are all capable of.”

Continued investment in diversified growth channels Oakland International operates 24-hours/7 days a week and is a D2C/B2C/B2B specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution, and offers brand development support for ambient, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via their partner in Spain.

Added Alex: “The programme has brought us together as a close-knit group and we have all individually grown with a greater understanding of our roles and what effect we have on others and on the business.

“Looking ahead I want to help build those around me and identify someone to fill my shoes. I want those around me to grow and I am, as all programme graduates are, so grateful to Oakland and the current leadership team for their belief and trust. Thank you!”

Oakland International Group Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Hoare commented: “Graduation day was filled with presentations and projects, and to see each member of our team proudly receiving their individual awards was truly memorable for everyone.

“We are extremely grateful to Brathay for playing a key role in developing and shaping the first cohort of future Oakland leaders. The programme has made a huge impact on programme trainees and on Oakland’s management team, and we’re now looking forward to what the future holds and to welcoming our next batch of trainees ready to take on the leadership training challenge.”

BRCGS AA accredited and a double Queen’s Award for Enterprise recipient for International Trade and Sustainable Development, Oakland has taken the first step to become B Corp certified, joining the fast-growing movement of using business as a force for good, and is working towards becoming the first business within their sector to achieve net-zero.