Management Development Services will be celebrating 20 years of supporting the fresh produce industry with an anniversary ball in Northampton on November 11.
The training organisation, run as a co-operative of member companies, has created a network of MDS-trained managers over the last two decades.
MDS chairman Doug Henderson, while content with the feedback the company has received since it started, nevertheless stresses that training programmes are constantly reviewed to ensure that both members and trainees get good value.
Chris White-Moncrieff, operations director at Humber VHB, an MDS member, said: “After 20 years, MDS has certainly got a winning formula and, while we have always run our own successful in-house training, it has become obvious we need a fresh approach.”
The first MDS placement at Humber VHB is halfway through a major project working with an external consultant to review the company’s £3-million transportation bill to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
“We’ve been impressed with his diligence and positive style,” said White-Moncrieff. “It’s a chance for him to interact with different functions and we are allowing him space to grow into the role so he benefits in all kinds of ways.”
Henderson added: “As we plan our anniversary event it’s also pleasing to see so many former MDS trainees in top jobs making decisions and helping to influence the industry, while acting as ambassadors for the programme.”
