Major retail deals and new managers

Staffline Agriculture is celebrating after landing several major contracts with retailers.

These deals includesole supply to all the Co-operative fruit farms in the UK, and an apprenticeship scheme for Sainsbury's as part of its British Growers Campaign.

In addition, Staffline Agriculture has also invested in its core team to help support further growth. Tim Baumber has joined as harvest manager, Debs Coxall as business development manager, Mike Dodd as training delivery manager, Przemyslaw Kuszner as harvest manager, Tom Martell as operations manager, and Laura Predoi as contract manager.

Jimmy Davies, divisional director for agriculture for the Staffline Group, said:“I am thrilled to be welcoming our new team members to Staffline Agriculture, all of whom have excellent skills and knowledge, having previously worked in farming and growing businesses, which will help with the development and delivery of our service.

'The progress we have made in our first six months and the strong new contract momentum is pleasing. Through combining the know-how and skill set from within the Staffline group with the experience gained from inside the industry, we are placed in a strong position to meet the requirements of our clients.”

Rob Honeysett, Sainsbury's horticulture manager, said:“Sainsbury’s and Staffline are working together on this project, looking to bring new talent into Sainsbury’s agriculture and horticulture supply chains.

'Together with the British Growers Association (BGA), we are committed to providing opportunities for those who would like to enter the industry and also provide opportunities for Sainsbury’s growers and farmers to tap into this scheme where they can simply employ an apprentice, and Staffline, Sainsbury’s and the BGA will take care of the delivery of the training and administration associated with an apprenticeship scheme.”

Staffline Agriculture, which was first launched in September 2013, aims to provide a new style of labour and training solutions in the agricultural and horticultural industries.