Culina Group are a logistics company, founded in 1994. There are several companies within Culina Group, including Culina Logistics, Fowler Welch, Great Bear, Warrens, CML and IPS. Culina Group has also been working in partnership with Müller Milk & Ingredients (MMI) since 2019. Müller Milk & Ingredients Distribution (MMID) manages the distribution operation for MMI by using the expertise of Culina Group. The group companies cover four sectors, chilled and ambient distribution, co-pack, and resourcing. Culina Group has also recently acquired Stobarts and International Road Ferry.

Where are we located?

We have a network of many depots across the UK and Ireland. These depots offer chilled, ambient, and co-packing facilities, as well as warehousing space. You can view your nearest depot here.

What are the entry criteria for the apprenticeship scheme?

In regards to entry requirements, we would go through the following when filtering candidates:

1. Hold a valid full UK driving licence (manual Cat-B licence) with at least 6 months of driving experience to qualify for the license acquisition and do not hold any driving LGV entitlements (Cat C or C+E)
2. Applicant must be over the age of 18
3. No DR or DD codes.
4. 6 points maximum allowed.
5. Having a ‘can-do’ attitude and an appreciation of customer service are important qualities for us.
6. The ability to remain motivated whilst working alone is essential for a driving-focused role.
7. An excellent team player is vital at Culina Group as the ability to communicate effectively with your colleagues will be an important part of the role.
8. For safety purposes, we do require our apprentices to have a satisfactory medical assessment.

What does the apprenticeship entail?

This role is brand-new within the business, not only will you earn whilst you learn on our structured 13 month scheme, but on completion, you will be guaranteed a permanent position. This amazing opportunity is not just a job, it will allow you to develop your skills and begin your journey to a life-changing career.

Over the 13 months, you will be working towards becoming a fully-fledged member of our growing Driver team through work shadowing, ‘hands–on’ training and computer-based learning.

Throughout the scheme, you will have the full support and guidance of fellow colleagues, trainers and our dedicated Apprenticeship Manager to help you grow and develop into an outstanding Logistics professional.

What are the key responsibilities of the role?

• You will be responsible for collecting and delivering our customers’ products in line with our agreed service levels, whilst ensuring professional service throughout.
• You will be learning about the regulations surrounding Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs and Working Time legislation to ensure both compliance and safety standards are adhered to.

What qualifications do I need?

You need to hold a valid full UK driving licence (manual Cat-B licence) with at least 6 months driving experience to qualify for the license acquisition and do not hold any driving LGV entitlements (Cat C or C+E). You must also be over the age of 18.

What are the Apprenticeship Scheme pay rates?

£364 per week, payable in arrears by credit transfer to your bank account at monthly intervals on or about the 25th day of each month.

On the satisfactory completion of your basic training programme and the achievement of your licence acquisition, your pay will increase in % increments during the first year of employment. These % increases will be based on the standard LGV Driver rate for the depot to which you are contracted to work at. The % increases are also specific to the group company you work for and the depot you are contracted to work at.

An example of the % increases are as follows:

Week 15- 23 = 80% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Week 24 – 32 = 90% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Week 34 – 52 = 95% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Week 53 = 100% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Where can I apply?

Please check out our most current live vacancies via our Culina Careers website page by clicking the provided links below. From this page you can search for and apply directly for available vacancies that are local to your area, should there be any live and advertised which are titled as per the image below.

View Active Apprenticeships

View All Vaccancies

What happens after I apply?

At least four weeks before the assessment day is due to take place, candidates will be filtered for their suitability to the apprenticeship scheme. If the candidate passes the filtering stage, they will then have a phone interview with the training provider, and subsequently be invited to the assessment day. During the assessment day, candidates will complete a variety of activities, including a driving assessment and group exercise. These exercises are designed to be a fun and informative experience to help the candidate decide whether a career as a driver is the right choice for them. There will also be a more formal interview with the depot management. Following the assessment day, successful candidates will be contacted and sent contracts. Any unsuccessful candidates will also be contacted with an update.

What do I do while I wait for my provisional entitlement?

While you wait for your provisional entitlement, you will be completing lessons in preparation for your Theory and Hazard perception tests. During this period, you will also be exposed to as many aspects of the industry as possible. We hope to give you a well-rounded insight into all areas while on the apprenticeship scheme, not just driving. This could include shadowing in the transport office, shadowing planners, or working in the warehouse. This experience will help your knowledge as a driver regarding routes, loading trailers, and weight distribution within the trailer. You will also be completing a series of masterclasses with the training provider which will build upon your knowledge, ready for the end-point assessment. As part of the apprenticeship, you will also need to complete ‘Off-the-job logs’, these logs must make up at least 20% of an apprentice’s normal working hours (paid hours excluding overtime) over the planned duration of the apprenticeship. The logs will also help to improve your skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed for the apprenticeship and your role as a driver.

What will I be taught on the apprenticeship?

Below is an image from one of our training providers, TPMT explaining the licence acquisition journey and the masterclasses you will be taught. While enrolled in the apprenticeship, you will complete a series of masterclasses aimed to give you a better understanding of the logistics industry, as well as improve the knowledge you will need as a Class 1 driver. Topics covered in the masterclasses include the structure of the industry, how to prepare a vehicle, and drivers hours.

What does the apprenticeship involve?

This role is brand-new within the business, not only will you earn whilst you learn on our structured 13 month scheme, but on completion, you will be guaranteed a permanent position. This amazing opportunity is not just a job, it will allow you to develop your skills and begin your journey toward a life-changing career.

Over the 13 months, you will be working towards becoming a fully-fledged member of our growing Driver team through work shadowing, ‘hands–on’ training and computer-based learning.

Throughout the scheme, you will have the full support and guidance of fellow colleagues, trainers, and our dedicated Apprenticeship Manager to help you grow and develop into an outstanding Logistics professional.

What are the key responsibilities of the role?

• You will be responsible for collecting and delivering our customers’ products in line with our agreed service levels, whilst ensuring professional service throughout.
• You will be learning about the regulations surrounding Drivers’ Hours, Tachographs, and Working Time legislation to ensure both compliance and safety standards are adhered to.

What are the Apprenticeship Scheme pay rates?

£350 per week, payable in arrears by credit transfer to your bank account at monthly intervals on or about the 25th day of each month.

On the satisfactory completion of your basic training programme and the achievement of your licence acquisition, your pay will increase in % increments during the first year of employment. These % increases will be based on the standard LGV Driver rate for the depot to which you are contracted to work at. The % increases are also specific to the group company you work for and the depot you are contracted to work at.

An example of the % increases are as follows:

• Week 16- 24 = 80% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 25 – 33 = 90% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 34 – 52 = 95% of your depot current driver rate per annum
• Week 53 = 100% of your depot current driver rate per annum

Where can I apply?

Please check out our current live vacancies via our Culina Careers website page by clicking the provided links below. From this page you can search for and apply directly for available vacancies that are local to your area.

https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/CulinaGroup1

What happens after I apply?

At least two weeks before the assessment day is due to take place, candidates will be filtered for their suitability to the apprenticeship scheme.

If the candidate passes the filtering stage, they will then have a phone interview with the training provider, and subsequently be invited to the assessment day.

During the assessment day, candidates will complete a variety of activities, including a driving assessment and group exercise. These exercises are designed to be a fun and informative experience to help the candidate decide whether a career as a driver is the right choice for them.

There will also be a more formal interview with the depot management. Following the assessment day, successful candidates will be contacted and sent contracts. Any unsuccessful candidates will also be contacted with an update.

What do I do while I wait for my provisional entitlement?

While you wait for your provisional entitlement, you will be completing lessons in preparation for your Theory and Hazard perception tests. During this period, you will also be exposed to as many aspects of the industry as possible. We hope to give you a well-rounded insight into all areas while on the apprenticeship scheme, not just driving. This could include shadowing in the transport office, shadowing planners, or working in the warehouse.

As part of the apprenticeship, you will also need to complete ‘Off-the-job logs’. These logs must make up at least 20% of an apprentice’s normal working hours (paid hours excluding overtime) over the planned duration of the apprenticeship.

What will I be taught on the apprenticeship?

While enrolled in the apprenticeship, you will complete a series of masterclasses aimed to give you a better understanding of the logistics industry, as well as improve the knowledge you will need as a Class 1 driver.

You will also be scheduled time to shadow drivers on their runs. This is the perfect opportunity to ask questions regarding how to drive the vehicle, as well as any other questions about the industry.

Will I need to complete functional skills training?

Unless the candidate already has a grade C or equivalent in GCSE Maths and English, they are required to complete functional skills assessments. Functional skills are taught and assessed by the training provider as part of the apprenticeship curriculum.

What benefits are there within Culina Group?

We offer:

• Opportunities for personal progression
• Opportunities for training and development
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
• Employee feedback via employee Surveys
• Cross depot project involvement
• Effective H&S / Occupational Health Management
• Culina news – In Culina Magazine
• Customer interaction

Pension Scheme – If you qualify for the Company’s Group Personal Pension Scheme then this will be set out in your Letter of Appointment / Contract of Employment and the Company’s appointed Pensions Scheme Administrator will be in touch with you shortly.

Life assurance is provided by the Company and covers you whilst you are in the employment of the Company, not just at work. You should nominate your beneficiaries using the form available from HR.

Culina Group Benefits Website – As part of our drive to make this a great place to work, we are now very pleased to offer you a wider choice of benefits which are now available in addition to the existing core benefits you enjoy. On your behalf, we have negotiated special rates and discounts which should not only save you money but will also be a source of general assistance and support via our HAPI Benefits.

Available training:

We have training courses for operational development, management development, and personal development.

Professional Qualifications:

We have a huge choice of professional qualifications through the RISE programme funded by the government levy.  These qualifications are available to everyone who has passed their probation.

Personal Development Plan:

Each year we’ll ask you to participate in a 1:1 personal development plan with your manager designed for your benefit.  This is your opportunity to express an interest in your development and any programmes, qualifications, or coaching you’d like to be involved in.

How long does the apprenticeship last?

The apprenticeship is 12 months and a day long, with an end-point assessment (EPA) at 13 months. The EPA will be conducted by a third-party assessor.

Become An Apprentice

Gold accreditation means that we have the policies in place but more than that, it means everyone – from CEO to apprentice takes ownership for making them come to life.

Only 17% of accredited organisations achieve Gold which makes this achievement even more special. Group CEO Thomas van Mourik has always said that ‘Culina Group is nothing without the fantastic people that work here’. This is true, it’s the hard work and dedication of our people across the network that make the business what it is today. Culina Group recognise this and invest in those people accordingly both in terms of working environment but also personal development.

With the sheer number of employees currently in the business it is more important than ever to continue in our efforts as a business to make Culina Group a happy and safe place to work.

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Culina Group. Gold accreditation is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Culina Group in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

Commenting on the award, Richard Berry, Chief HR Officer said: “We are extremely proud of this achievement, it recognises the massive focus that we place on all of our people across the Group and their well-being and personal development.”

We believe that the success of our organisation begins and ends with people. We strive to make work better for everyone, and if we do that… we can make our society stronger, healthier and happier. Thank you to everyone involved in the process and to all of our employees for making Culina Group a great place to work.

Hope House.

On March 4th 1991 the charity that was to become Hope House Children’s Hospice was formed. An incredible fundraising campaign was launched to raise the £1.5 million needed to build a hospice at Morda, near Oswestry. It seemed like the whole of the area was holding coffee mornings, bring and buy sales and sponsored events for Hope House.  Building started in 1993 and when Hope House opened its doors in October 1995 it was only the tenth children’s hospice in the world.

In its first full year after opening the charity supported 80 families. In 2018 this became 400 children at the hospices with 900 families receiving support at home or counselling and bereavement support.

Culina Group has worked with Hope House for a number of years, raising awareness of the charity across our sites and on the roads with specially designed livery on one of our trailers.

The Event

30^th September | Hawkstone Park Golf Club | 72 players | 18 Teams | £700+ raised

On Thursday 30^th September, 72 colleagues from across the Group headed to the prestigious Hawkstone Park Golf Club in a bid to raise their golf game and some much welcome funds for Shropshire-based charity, Hope House.

Colleagues from CML, Great Bear and Culina Logistics were split into 18 teams to play against each other in order to see who would be crowned victorious and get the all-important bragging rights.

A shotgun start followed the bacon butties and at 9am the teams were off.  As well as playing for the title, players were also fighting against each other to win individual prizes which had been kindly donated by some of our suppliers.

Closest to the pin

The classic individual golf day challenge!

The pin was set, the players were ready, the prize was on standby – all that was left to do was for players to step up and take their turn.

Cheers ensued as the ball lands just inches away from the hole.  We thought we had a winner.  It was only when looking back at the tee, that our player had not yet taken his shot and the ‘winning’ ball had actually landed from a player playing a different hole!  A prize was issued anyway for what turned out to be the unluckiest shot of the day.

The BIG winner

Sponsorship and donations aside, on the day the event organisers also placed a penalty bucket for fines for any golfer hitting the water at that hole – it wasn’t a lucky day for our golfers as this raised an additional £40+ thanks to balls lost in the water.

The “Thank You” Section

We’d like to take a moment out to thank our hosts Hawkstone Park Golf Club, all of the players for their contributions and sportsmanship on the day and our generous suppliers who supported the event with donations and prizes;

Tennant

Philadelphia Scientific

Autac

Juice

West Mercia

Crown

Linde

Unicarriers

Hako

Toyota

Jungheinrich

If you would like to get involved with helping Hope House please contact;

Fundraising: 01691 671 671

fundraising@hopehouse.org.uk

The date:  June 18^th 2021 @ 21:00

The event: Red Hot Chilli Steppers’ 3 Peaks Challenge

The charity:  Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

The clock was ticking…

The team had 24 hours and a huge mountain – or 3 – to climb!

They had just spent a gruelling 7 hours 40 minutes travelling to the first spot – Ben Nevis, fortunately this time wasn’t included in the 24 hour challenge – unfortunately this meant the team had already been awake for this time. Travelling between the peaks in 3 vehicles, each taking their turn behind the wheel, the team maintained contact and kept sprits up using Snapchat filters and conference calling.

The group, consisting of 9 colleagues from Port Sunlight of varying ages, abilities and fitness levels, had chosen to take part in the challenge as an engagement and team building activity.  They chose to also raise money for the Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Taking part in the challenge were;

Liam Gafoor; Duane Sales; Paul Pinto; Lisa Spoor; Sebastian Topolnicki; Adam Sutton; Artur Kowalewski; Nathan Selby and Zbigniew Krzywanski.

If we don’t beat it, we eat it!

As if the task itself didn’t bring with it enough jeopardy for the intrepid adventurers, the team had agreed that the forfeit for failing to complete the challenge would be that they all had to consume a Carolina Reaper Chilli, one of the hottest chillies on the Scoville scale.

The event wasn’t without it’s challenges, with team member Duane showing his Olympic prowess in gymnastics, doing the splits half way down Ben Nevis after slipping on a stone!

Tackling terrible terrains across the 3 peaks was one of the most difficult parts of the trial as was dealing with temperatures around -2 degrees (but feeling like -15) at the summit of Ben Nevis – gruelling, but worth it in the end.

The group pulled together to complete the challenge in 23 hours and 40 minutes, meaning that fortunately the Carolina Reaper chillies (and the team’s taste buds) were left in one piece.

Raising funds, building bonds.

Initially organised as a team building and engagement activity, the event also raised much needed funds for Alder Hey Children’s Charity. The total currently stands at over £1000, the link is still open and all donations are welcome;

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/three-peaks-challenge-uk

GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions comprises of Eddie Stobart, Eddie Stobart Europe, iForce, The Pallet Network, and The Logistics People.

With an overall turnover of more than £2.2 Billion, a combined workforce of around 22,000 staff, approaching 20 million square feet of warehousing and a joint fleet of more than 5,500 vehicles, Culina Group has significantly strengthened its market leading position in the FMCG Logistics Sector with this acquisition.

GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions will benefit from private ownership with protection of their brands for years to come. The move will also provide job retention, investment, and will bring an entrepreneurial spirit.

“GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions and Culina Group are complementary businesses, two very strong organisations with great reputations in the industry and with similar cultures. This is an excellent fit which is going to be fantastic for both our staff and for our clients, whilst making Culina Group the largest FMCG logistics provider in the UK”, said Thomas van Mourik, Culina Group CEO,

“It goes without saying that we are acquiring some excellent contracts, facilities and people. This move significantly expands our ambient network and will enable us to benefit from synergies and efficiencies that will improve our service offer to customers even further.”

The acquisition extends the existing Culina Group network to over one hundred strategically located distribution centres in the UK following the addition of the forty plus facilities operated by GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions. Culina Group is now the largest privately owned logistics provider in the UK and a business that is undisputed in terms of service.

“Culina Group recognises that it is investing in a highly successful business with its own great family spirit. Culina Group’s aim now is to support our growth trajectory with the added workforce infrastructure and resources of the overall Group.  The GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions Board are extremely pleased to take the group businesses back to private ownership. The combining of our two businesses will create major opportunities for significantly growing our market share.” said William Stobart – GreenWhiteStar Executive Chairman.

Going forward, William Stobart will take a seat on the Culina Group Board for the long term as Deputy Group CEO. The primary aim is to ensure that all current and prospective customers continue to benefit from market-leading levels of service.

After donning their customised red nose day face masks (courtesy of the fantastic efforts of colleague Sylwia Morys), car washers; Danny Hughes, James Palmer, Rick Morris, Kylie Sanders, Graham Cann and Dave Seddon headed to the car park in search of dirty cars – a must for any charity car wash!

The team were assisted on the day by Inga Baneliene who acted as Chief Organiser, Financial Controller and Car Park Activity Co-ordinator (all very official ?)

The event was an overwhelming success, with the team getting through an incredible 42 cars.  They were cheered on by colleagues offering the traditional well wishes – as well as more structured KPIs to ensure they hit their targets, bespoke Safe Systems of Work and a checklist of essential PPE for car washing in the cold – which of course included a mankini!

Special mention also goes to Lesley Mason of Great Bear customer Conair, who helped organise the raffle and prizes.

The events combined raised an incredible £810, which was split equally between the 2 nominated charities the site has chosen to support – Comic Relief and Lynch Syndrome UK.  Whilst many people will be familiar with Comic Relief, the site’s second charity – Lynch Syndrome UK – affected someone a little closer to home.

Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is a type of inherited cancer syndrome associated with a genetic predisposition to different cancer types. This means people with Lynch syndrome have a higher risk of certain types of cancer.

Great Bear colleague, Lenka Liscinska, wanted to raise money for the charity after her partner was diagnosed with the condition which later led to bowel cancer. Fortunately, he has since recovered, but the couple wanted to raise much needed funds and awareness, for a charity close to their hearts.

To bolster the total raised on the day, Lenka completed a 10k and encouraged others to take part by doing a fun run, which at the time of writing had raised over £1000.  You can still donate to this fantastic cause using the link below;

Donate to Lenka’s fundraiser for Lynch Syndrome UK (facebook.com)

Well done to everyone on site – it certainly looks like you enjoyed yourselves!

When Charity gets Personal

Fundraising during a global pandemic presents more than a few challenges, but this wasn’t enough to put off a very determined Pat Newton from raising funds for a charity which really is close to her heart.  Pat, who was diagnosed with the idiopathic strain of Parkinson’s in 2016, set about organising a calendar of fundraising events.  Sadly, as most of these were large-scale national events, they were cancelled, and Pat had to go back to the drawing board to rethink her plans.

Getting Active

As a member of the Parkinson’s UK support pages on social media, she saw an article called “Time to get active for Parkinson’s” – with all other fundraising opportunities side-lined, she knew she just had to take part.

The event offered up 3 options to help get people active and raise much needed funds for the charity; a cycle ride, a walking challenge, or people could design their own challenge to complete based on their ability.

Pat decided to take on the cycling event which would see her bike over 200 miles across the month.

The dates were set as September 1^st-30^th, but with bad weather forecast for the end of the month, Pat pushed herself to complete the challenge in just 18 days, taking a combined total of 21 hours and 13 minutes to cycle 322.88km.

Emma’s Ultimate Step Challenge

Not content with cycling 54 miles in local cycling event, Bourne CiCLE, in August; completing the Grantham Newtons Fraction Half Marathon a mere week later and then running the London Parks Half Marathon in October (with additional training through the year!), 2020 held a greater challenge for charity champion, Emma Shorrock.

What started out as a musing ‘is it possible?’, became a personal challenge when Emma pledged to walk at least 10,000 steps a day, EVERY DAY, come rain, hail, snow and sunshine, not just for a month, but for the whole year.

A Real Team Effort for January

While many people began the New Year in a post-turkey glut, Emma started the challenge on New Year’s Day in Cologne, taking part in an organised Park Run. What a great way to start the year! Emma was supported through January by a number of colleagues across Fowler Welch who were taking part in the monthly 10,000 steps challenge to get moving through a notoriously difficult month.   As February approached, Emma was 31 days into the challenge with 492,658 steps under her belt, but WASN’T the winner of the monthly challenge – that accolade went to Simon Deykin (Business System Support Analyst) who reached an incredible 692,487 steps in the month, topping 63,721 in a single day.

31 days down, 335 to go…

335 still to go, it was, after all, a leap year! February brought its own challenges. With a snowboarding holiday already booked, Emma had to find inventive ways to making sure she hit her daily target before hitting the slopes. Travel days were arguably the hardest, spending days at a time on coaches and in airports, other passengers were certainly intrigued by her, as she walked the equivalent of 5 miles at a time doing laps of airport lounges.

Challenges of a National Lockdown

So to March, and the start of the imposed lockdown in the UK. Being allowed to venture outside only once a day for exercise meant that every step really would count. As the Company implemented measures to safeguard colleagues across the business and adhere to Government guidelines, Emma was asked to work remotely. This meant before sitting down to her new home workstation every morning, she would need to run 4 miles to hit her daily target. After all, there’s only so many times you can walk up and down the stairs.

Not the Amsterdam Marathon…

With colleagues joining in with monthly challenges again in April and July, combined with longer days and warmer weather, the challenge became easier as the summer months brought with them an ease in Government restrictions on outdoor excursions. Hoping to run the Amsterdam Marathon in October, Emma’s training increased, and the 10,000 steps were soon a distant memory, often exceeding double the initial target.

Sadly, as the world was still finding ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the event in Amsterdam was cancelled. Undeterred, Emma and partner John decided to run their own event, “Not the Amsterdam Marathon”, through the country roads near their home. They were joined by fellow Fowler Welch colleague and reigning monthly step challenge champion, Simon Deykin.

Final Push

As the Country headed once again into a National lockdown, nights drew in, the warmer weather was long forgotten and Emma was down to the final 2 months of her challenge. With training for the marathon also over, it became more of a chore to complete the daily 10,000 steps but incredibly, and in line with her promise “come rain, hail or snow” (all of which were encountered) Emma completed the challenge and on New Year’s Day took a well earned break – although still walked over 10,000 steps!

So far, Pat & Emma have raised over £2,000 and donations are still coming in.  If you would like to make a donation, please e-mail marketing@fowlerwelch.co.uk and the team will send details of how to make a safe and secure donation.

Support Beyond Fundraising

With so many fundraising events cancelled, Fowler Welch had to think outside of the box in order to support their nominated charity.

Having contacted the team at Parkinson’s UK, they were struggling with fundraising but also having sufficient PPE and sanitisers to allow their workers and volunteers to continue to provide their support services safely, taking all appropriate precautions. Having procured face masks, hand sanitiser and gloves for colleagues Fowler Welch were in a great position to help, donating some of their stocks to Parkinson’s UK for them to use across their network.

While this support was gratefully received, fundraising to support the charity is still high on the company’s agenda, and with this in mind, Fowler Welch will continue to support Parkinson’s UK through 2021, where we all hope normal activities and group events can return.

Get Involved

If you have a fundraising event in mind or would like to get involved e-mail marketing@fowlerwelch.co.uk

This year, the depot has focused on 2 main charities; Melksham Food Bank and Designability (in particular their Wizzybug project), whilst maintaining their ongoing fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support with their annual Coffee Morning.

Throughout October and November, colleagues have donated ambient food items to Melksham Foodbank. The foodbank is there to provide practical, short-term help for individuals and families in need by offering food parcels with 3 days of food essentials. They also introduce those in need with the necessary advice and support services to help resolve issues in the long term. More information about the services offered and how you can get involved can be found at; melkshamfoodbank.org.uk

Whilst COVID has impacted some of the traditional fundraising pursuits, there have been plenty of fun activities throughout the year which have raised funds for national charity Designability for their Wizzybug project. Wizzybugg is an innovative powered wheelchair designed specifically for children under five who are living with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy, as well as children with amputations or a rare developmental delay affecting their ability to walk.

Stock Controller, Sue Whiteford led the fundraising efforts by completing the Virtual London Marathon 2020 – having completed the main events in both 2018 and 2019. Other fundraising events included; ‘Guess the number of Easter eggs’, Easter raffle, selling sweet bags and are currently having a Christmas card sale.

You can find out more about the charity and the impact of the Wizzybug project by visiting; designability.org.uk

The Macmillan Coffee Morning is an annual event that is always popular at the site. People get involved in a number of ways from baking cakes and goodies themselves to donating tea and coffee to accompany the tasty treats. Others help with running the event on the day, donning their best salesperson impression and drumming up trade; it’s always a successful event and enjoyed by everyone. This year the event managed to raise £107 bringing the total raised through this event in five years to over £1250 for such a worthwhile cause.

If you’d like to donate to any of these causes, or if you have fundraising idea, please get in touch by emailing natalie.peacock@greatbear.co.uk

Great Bear Kettering had to think outside of the box in order to generate much needed funds for their 2 chosen charities of the year – The Trussell Trust and Cransley Hospice Trust.

The Trussell Trust aims to end hunger and poverty in the UK. By supporting a nationwide network of foodbanks, the charity provides not only emergency food but much needed support services to people locked in poverty whilst campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK.The Cransley Hospice Trust provides care for patients with life-limiting illnesses who need the specialist help of hospice care in North Northamptonshire.  Their services are provided free of charge for the local community, offering care and support wherever needed, be that in the patient’s own home, a care home or within a hospice.

Large scale fundraising challenges have had to be postponed or cancelled due to ongoing concerns over the spread of COVID-19 along with ensuring we do everything we can to keep our colleagues and their families safe.  Smaller scale activities have however proved ever popular, with ‘dress down days’, raffles and the all-important “The Great Great Bear Bake Off” raising a staggering £1,621 to date.

Supporting charities isn’t all about fundraising. Whilst it’s undeniable that charities rely on fundraising initiatives to support their work, sometimes we can look a little closer to home and towards our own areas of expertise to help. Earlier in the year, the Trussell Trust approached the team at Great Bear to help them procure much needed storage space – as experts in the ambient storage world, we were on hand to offer a suitable solution that provided an element of free storage for the charity along with a heavily discounted rate for the future. Some of the monies raised to date from fundraising initiatives have then been used to pay for the additional rental costs for the storage space, allowing the charity to concentrate on their core activities.

You can read more about the charities and the impact of your fundraising by visiting their websites:

www.cransleyhospice.org.uk

www.trusselltrust.org

If you have a fundraising idea for these charities or would like to get involved with future events, please contact Kate Collins (kate.collins@greatbear.co.uk) or Carole Elliot (carole.elliot@greatbear.co.uk)

International Women’s Day taking place on 8th March 2020 is a global celebration of the achievements of women. It marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. Its mission is to – ‘Champion women of all backgrounds who dare to innovate, lead, and uplift others towards a more equal and inclusive workplace.’

Logistics is one such area where equality is improving significantly, particularly within Culina Group where equality is actively embraced. As our business expands there has been no better time for females to advance their career within the company.

Culina Group has enjoyed tremendous growth especially during recent years, and to see females reaching their potential in all aspects of what was once a seriously male dominated profession is fantastic.

To celebrate International Women’s Day at Culina Group we have spoken to many women throughout our business to get their thoughts on being involved in Logistics and being part of Culina Group.

Culina Group has women succeeding in roles across the business and this is something we celebrate!

So as we enter a new decade let us celebrate the achievements and progress that we have made and look forward to making in the coming years!

To meet some of the women at Culina Group in our expanded article…

CLICK HERE

International Women’s Day 2020

International Women’s Day 2020 campaign theme is – #EachforEqual – An equal world is an enabled world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.

We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world. Let’s all be #EachforEqual.