Thirteen of the wholesale sector’s brightest young talents were recognised for their commitment to the industry at the Federation of Wholesale Distributors’ (FWD) Skills and Development Awards last night.
The apprentices and trainees were introduced to MPs at a reception in their honour on the House of Commons terrace. Anne Milton MP, minister for skills and apprenticeships and minister for women, presented them with a certificate to mark their dedication to building a career in wholesale.
She told the winners: “You are everything I want to achieve in my role as skills minister. Be inspired by what you’ve achieved, because there’s no limit to where you can go. Give back to the industry that has given you this opportunity. There’s no doubt that if we are to compete in a world market we need to develop our skills base, as you and your employers are doing.”
Several of those receiving awards had worked their way up from junior positions through apprenticeships and in-house training, and were now moving into supervisory or leadership roles. Others were graduates who were continuing their studies with the help of their employer.
Joan Ryan, MP for Enfield, who hosted the event, added: “The wholesale distribution industry plays an important role in our economy. You invest in and upskill our workforce and create quality jobs. We can’t stop technological change but we can equip people with the skills they need for the future. Members of the FWD and the people they employ are at the forefront of making this happen.”
James Bielby, chief executive of the FWD, added: “The aim of our Skills and Development Awards is to demonstrate to parliamentarians the contribution wholesalers make to creating sustainable high-skilled jobs for the future, and reward the commitment of some of the apprentices and trainees who are benefitting from that investment. It’s a great pleasure to introduce MPs to nominees from their constituencies and show them the diverse range of skills and the brilliant talent we have in the sector.”
Congratulations to all the winners:
Max Kerr and Michael McFadyen, Brakes, Dundee
Matt Ruffell, Brakes, Ashford
Sally Loizou, Booker, Enfield
Jordan Todd, Booker, Rayleigh
Lyndsy Harrison, Booker, Rayleigh
Ryan Myatt, Booker, Portsmouth
Joanna Florczak and Tarsiar Cox, JJ Food Service, Enfield
Elise Rawlins, Bidfood, Nottinghamshire
Jenny Williams, Costco, Manchester
Nisha Davatwal, Costco, Birmingham
Sharon Woods, Costco, Bristol
