Management Development Services Ltd (MDS Ltd) was set up in 1986 by a group of forward-thinking growers concerned about the shortage of skilled managers within their particular area of business.

MDS Ltd has quickly established itself as a leading training provider in the fresh food and produce industry, since then it has expanded steadily as companies seek to safeguard the future by attracting the right calibre of recruit.

Today, MDS Ltd encompasses the whole supply chain of vegetables, salads, fruit, flowers, plants and prepared food products not only based in the UK but also for operations in many countries around the world.

MDS Ltd represents a consortium of 25 member companies comprising growers, suppliers and supermarkets including household names like G’s Marketing, Riverford Organic Vegetables and Sainsbury. Potential new members are showing an interest in what is now seen as a 'model' for specialist management training.

MDS Ltd is an independent non-profit making organisation whose aim is to recruit and train the very best people to secure the future of this fast-changing industry. Member companies contribute towards the salary and training costs of Management Trainees as well as providing work placements, known as 'secondments'.  The strength of MDS Ltd comes from members working in partnership with a common goal, even though some may be competitors in the commercial world. It is run by a Board of Directors appointed from within the membership, with day-to-day management support from a full-time staff of three based in Cambridgeshire.