Board members at vegetable preparation specialist Parripak Foods have taken part in a competitive strategy masterclass in a bid to revitalise the business.

Part of an East of England Development Agency (EEDA) initiative, the programme consists of a two-day training session followed by monthly classes, run by Professor Colin Coulson Thomas, professor of competitiveness at the University of Luton.

The programme focused on developing strategies to improve and strengthen customer service and aimed to identify possible skills shortages.

Partly funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), it is specifically customised for larger corporations with up to 250 employees.

James Parrish, joint managing director of Parripak Foods was extremely enthusiastic: “We are firm believers in the principles of the latest EEDA initiative which focuses on the need to increase skills in the workplace, so it was only natural that our board members should keep their own skills up to date.

“Although it was sometimes difficult to fit in the ‘homework’ with the day-to-day running of the business, the time invested in this Masterclass has definitely paid dividends.

“In these days of economic decline, if companies are to survive they must move outside of their comfort zone, and actively search for ways of differentiating themselves from their competitors.”

Parrish added: “Our board has been revitalised and we are looking forward to putting our new dynamic plans into action and continue to build upon our year-on year-growth well into the future.”