News

Meet the Trainees: Rising Star Award nominations are now open!

As the highly anticipated January Meet the Trainees event fast approaches, so do the MDS Awards! We are pleased to announce that nominations for the Rising Star category are now open.

What is the Rising Star Award?

The Rising Star Award is presented to a Trainee who strives for success and achieves results. Rising Stars are Trainees who haven’t just carried out their secondment role. They have over-achieved and exceeded expectations within their role. They have taken anything managers throw at them with tenacity and resilience and have been able to prove their value to Member companies time and time again. We are looking for nominees who are ambitious future leaders.

Trainees across all groups are eligible for nominations from their secondment managers.

Recognising Talent

This is your opportunity to reward talented Trainees who have made a real impact to your organisation. It’s the chance for secondment managers to highlight how Trainees are useful to their business and the wider industry. The award is also the chance for Members to promote the culture of their business as valuing talent. Support your Trainees by nominating them for an award that is recognised within the industry and will support them in securing future roles and help them in their leadership journey.

Past Winners

India Dodge-Forder, Group 49

India was nominated by Siân Hardy at Fancy Plants UK for putting in 100% effort from the very start of her first secondment. She demonstrated the ability to work under pressure and was able to handle significant changes to the company and supply network. According to Sian, India had a tenacious and professional attitude when dealing with established and new suppliers. India was invested in learning as much as she could in her Fancy Plants secondment and sought out development opportunities even if they were outside the responsibilities of her role.

James Rowe, Group 48

James was nominated by secondment manager James Bardgett at Fleurie Nurseries for demonstrating outstanding potential. On secondment, James operated at a standard that those with many years of experience and seniority would perform at and never waivered. Suppliers and the wider Tristram group noticed his positive attitude and leadership skills.

Isabel Cole, Group 46

It was Chris Guest and Alexander Berger from Aldi who nominated Isabel for the award. According to the managers, she showed exceptional ability when implementing a packhouse project. She engaged with the right stakeholders and kept the company updated on strategy. Issy displayed all of the core competencies required for future strong leaders and was incredibly hungry for personal growth. She was never scared to push for her own development.

If you are a secondment manager who would like to nominate a Trainee for going above and beyond in their secondment, complete the nomination form shared with you via email. If you have any queries get in touch with Gretta@mds-ltd.co.uk.

Christine McDowell on Industry Resilience

Christine McDowell completed MDS in 2014 and now works with the NFU as a Food Chain Advisor. Christine plays a significant role in engaging with organisations throughout the food industry to grow influential support for British farming and agriculture. She has learned a lot on her career journey, during her time on MDS and in her roles since. We spoke to the MDS Alumna on some of her biggest successes since completing MDS and asked what advice she has for aspiring fresh produce leaders.

What sparked your passion for food, fresh produce and agriculture?

My interest sparked during my GCSE’s. I developed a real interest in food and nutrition and managed to get a University sports scholarship to study Public Health.

When I visited a city campus, but something didn’t click with me.  I don’t know if it was the campus, the Uni, or the fact that it was a huge city, and I’m a dairy farming country girl at heart. It’s amazing looking back now how one day can completely change your life.  My Mum, in all her wisdom, took me to the Harper Adams open day, and before I knew it, I loved it! I chose to study Fresh Produce Management because I could see the bright and vibrant opportunities within the sector.

My MDS career started in a potato processing factory as a production planner.  I had sole responsibility for three production lines, ensuring the factory had enough raw material to fulfil customer orders and making sure orders were delivered on time and in full.  Looking back, it was a lot of responsibility, but I quickly learnt to forward plan. I became adaptable enough to change the plan and mastered effective communication. It was fast-paced, a steep learning curve, and at times highly stressful, but I loved every single day.  I still use the knowledge and skills I gained from that role in my current job now.

What does your role as Food Chain Advisor with the NFU entail?

I’ve been within the food chain team for six years, and our team of 5 are based at NFU HQ in Warwickshire. Our purpose is to be supply chain and customer-focused.  The NFU lobby Government on many agricultural policy areas on behalf of our members. My team’s focus is to build relationships with the food industry; retailers, branded manufacturers, public procurement bodies and the foodservice sector, to represent British agriculture across the supply chain.  Much of our role is about relationship management, influencing and seeking support on behalf of British farmers and growers; be that through supporting brand standards like Red Tractor, influencing strategic sourcing policies or encouraging the food industry to speak with one voice to Government. A lot of our work revolves around on-boarding those with the most influence in the food industry, to speak and support our asks of Government, or indeed take action themselves.

I am also a SALSA Director. The NFU, along with three other trade associations (FDF, BRC and UK Hospitality), set up SALSA over ten years ago, to help small and micro-sized businesses (SME) meet the high food safety standards required of the large grocery retailers. It’s often difficult for an SME to achieve BRC standards, so the SALSA standard offers an alternative. It’s still a high standard of food safety, but the fantastic thing about SALSA is that they help you along the way. If you’ve diversified your business and have little technical experience, SALSA and its mentors can help you build your credibility, knowledge, and ability to produce food for the supermarkets. My role as Director is to ensure the scheme’s strategy delivers for SMEs, both in terms of its strategic direction and making sure the scheme remains affordable.

What is your most significant career achievement?

I’m lucky enough to have been in a position that has allowed me to influence Government ministers to introduce new laws. I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to influence the Agriculture Act when it was a Bill going through the Houses of Parliament, and achieved a whole section within it, specifically giving the Secretary of State powers to address unfair trading practices. I’ve not achieved it single-handed and have had the support of many stakeholders, influential members, colleagues and through good relationships with civil servants.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges being faced by the industry at the moment?

There are many spinning plates at the moment that are significant challenges for the industry. Depending on where you sit or what business you work in, those challenges might be different.  For me and many others, the current challenge is resilience. At the moment, that is in the form of access to a competent, reliable workforce which is a high and urgent priority right now, be that on the farm, factory or packhouse. From drivers, to butchers, pickers or poultry catchers; there isn’t a sector or business not impacted by it. The NFU are calling for the Government to introduce a Covid Recovery Visa Scheme to deal with the short-term labour demand, but in the long term, we need a permanent seasonal agricultural worker’s scheme in place that can deliver at scale.

Government must also take a real hard look at what the future Immigration Policy looks like because what we have today is simply not working for us.

We’ll never have a sector that isn’t challenged in one shape or another, but if MDS has taught me anything, it is that resilience is key.  We must ensure our industry is resilient and can adapt quickly to the ever-changing environment we operate in – Government plays a huge role in unlocking our resilience.

What is the most interesting thing you are working on at the minute?

Fairness in the supply chain has to be one of the most interesting policy areas I’m working on currently.  Now that we have left the EU and are in the process of reforming our domestic agricultural policy, a move away from direct support (Basic Payment Scheme) and the negotiation of new trade agreements threatens the financial resilience of many farming businesses. Any agricultural reform must be twinned with reform in the marketplace that levels up the balance of power within agri-food supply chains, and must deliver a fair and functioning supply chain.  If farmers and growers are to deliver on our shared endeavour to produce climate-friendly food and achieve meaningful environmental and animal welfare gains, we must be rewarded in a fair marketplace.

I want to see a significant levelling up and rebalance of power within the supply chain, with a similar level of protection that GSCOP and the GCA provides direct supermarket suppliers.  So, I’m lobbying the Government to introduce a comprehensive plan, using the Secretary of State’s powers in the Agriculture Act to address unfair trading practices, improve transparency in the supply chain, and improve contract terms that work for producers and first purchases equitably.

My goal is that we see a changed embedded culture within the agri-food sector.

What advice would you give to MDS Trainees and those interested in starting a career in the industry?

The industry is full of opportunity.  You only need to look back to 2020 to see how vital our sector is to the lives of everyday people.

MDS worked for me because I didn’t know what role I wanted or what I’d be good at in the industry. I’m still tackling those questions 12 years later, but what MDS and the businesses I was seconded to gave me is an ability to be brave enough to try anything once. Given the scope of roles out there that need filling right now, this gives you a fantastic skillset to be on the front foot as you’re bringing with you well-rounded job and industry experience to any new role.

Your network is your best friend.  MDS gives you brilliant access to people across the industry that other non-MDS colleagues might take years to build.  Keep in touch with previous colleagues, fellow Trainees and other MDS Members. You’ll be surprised how extraordinary useful they can be in helping you open doors.

New Launch: Graduate Careers Workshops

The MDS Graduate Scheme

Kick-start your graduate management career in a fast-paced, thriving, and vital industry. If successful, you will experience four secondment roles across at least three food and fresh produce businesses where you will discover the best fit career path for you.

The MDS graduate scheme is unlike any other. We nurture ambitious graduates who have the potential to be future senior leaders in an industry that feeds the world. Your management career in an innovative, growing, and sustainable industry begins with the MDS graduate scheme and our unique partnership with over 60 organisations, including Sainsbury’s, Aldi, PepsiCo, Birds Eye, Iceland and many more.

Not your typical careers event

We are pleased to launch a new exciting MDS event for high-calibre graduates looking to kick-start their food and fresh produce career!

We’re giving exceptional, can-do graduates the unique opportunity to boost their CV, improve their management skills, and stand out against other graduates. Attendees will get access to not one, but two free management training workshops delivered by qualified leadership training experts. Not only will you develop your leadership knowledge, but participants will also receive a certificate to share with potential employers upon completion of the day.

If you stand out to our Talent Acquisition Team as an exceptional candidate, you will also have the opportunity to be fast-tracked through our recruitment process.

What to expect?

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: MDS Info and Networking Session

MDS is a graduate scheme with a difference. It takes high-calibre leaders to turn fresh produce into the products that you see on your supermarket shelves. Ask us anything about our unique graduate scheme! Find out more about MDS and hear from our Trainees on what makes the programme so great.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Leadership Style

This 60-minute session is for high-calibre graduates who aspire to be future managers and leaders. The workshop is an opportunity to develop your understanding of leadership styles so you can build effective teams. Topics will include:

• What does an inspirational leader or manager look like?
• Understanding the impact of different leadership/ management styles on others
• Ways to motivate your team

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Powerful communication

In our final 60-minute session, you will develop your communication skills for all situations. This workshop is for outstanding graduates and future leaders who are keen to unlock the power of effective communication and improve their personal and professional relationships. Topics will include:

• What makes a great communicator?
• Exploring the four communication styles
• How to use body language, tone and words to build effective professional relationships
• The power of active listening and effective questioning

I’m in! How do I sign up?

It’s simple, visit our Eventbrite page and sign-up HERE

• You will receive all Zoom links and workshop materials ahead of the event
• The workshops include interactive elements which require active participation to develop your knowledge
• The workshops will be run by Management training experts and facilitated by
• MDS staff who will observe participation
• Enthusiastic candidates who stand out may have the opportunity to be fast-tracked through our recruitment process
• Candidates must contact event organisers if they are no longer able to attend the event (please email izzy@mds-ltd.co.uk)
• You will only receive the digital certificate upon completion of all three 60-minute sessions
• This certificate is backed by a specialist provider of bespoke training in Leadership and Management

Spaces are limited, so sign up now!

Maximising Mentoring

Nathan Whitehouse is the Marketing Manager at Certis, which develops crop protection solutions for UK and Ireland’s professional growers, with a focus on Integrated Crop Management. Certis joined MDS in 2016 and offers secondments within their marketing department. We spoke with Nathan about why he finds effective mentorship to be so important and how it can benefit both employees and businesses.

How does Certis encourage mentoring and development with new starters within your business?

 I can clearly remember preparing for our first MDS Trainee at Certis. We had read all the documents from MDS and discussed how we would work with our Trainees. As with any new starter at Certis, we provided them with a buddy to help with day-to-day questions and finding where things are.

What was different was providing formal mentoring. We encouraged Trainees to come and discuss things that were on their minds or they needed help with at any time. You also have to be proactive, get to know your trainee as this helps to spot when they may be uncertain about something or what they have just been asked to do will be taking them out of their comfort zone. Then you can help mentor them through it. Be prepared to share your experiences, these will help the trainee to learn and know we have all faced similar challenges, it’s a part of life.

Why do you think it is important to provide additional development, mentoring coaching sessions?

They are trainees and this is often their real first experience of the workplace. MDS provides a great opportunity to embed within a diverse range of companies to gain an equally diverse range of experiences and knowledge which would otherwise take years to accumulate.

Member companies are an extension of the formal learning Trainees receive and help them apply the principles, and to experience how the real world can differ from the theory. We have to stretch them to support their post-graduate development and in return we receive a person capable of a role we require help with.  My experience is the more you engage with trainees early, challenging them and providing mentoring support the quicker they develop and contribute to your business. The difference in confidence and capability between the trainee who starts with you and the one who leaves after six months will be a testament to this.

What benefits does this bring to the business and the individual?

We have given day-to-day management of Trainees to staff members to help them understand and develop their skill set for managing and motivating people. This helps prepare them for the next step in their careers and opens them up to what is needed when you have direct reports, such as setting expectations, clear communication and workload management.

The benefits for the Trainee is that when they join Certis we expose them to all parts of the business and all the staff. Our view is that MDS is a management development programme and these trainees will become managers in the future, and they will be helped by having wider business exposure beyond just their role.

Have you attended the Secondment Management Training?

I attended the event in March and found it helpful. The breakout groups were a high point of the day for me. We had a mix of new and experienced secondment managers and this allowed for a lot of sharing and discussion. It also made me realise how much I had learnt and developed as a manager working with and mentoring trainees.

What benefits do you think the training had or could have to secondment managers?

I think it is really helpful, especially for new secondment managers or those who may not have managed people before. Trainees are bright, enthusiastic and hungry to develop, but they have not got a great deal of broad workplace experience. The training can help you level your expectations on what you can expect from a Trainee and how to support them improve. I would say do not underestimate what a Trainee is capable of and can achieve when supported. My personal experience is they are extremely quick to learn, integrate well and will do an excellent job.

Have you ever benefited from directed mentorship?

Looking back, I realised I have benefited from mentorship, although at the time they were not formal mentoring relationships. I have been fortunate enough to work with people who gave their time to share experiences, challenge and encourage me forward in my roles and career. This has been invaluable as part of my development and in turn what I can give back through mentoring others.

How do you feel you have benefited by mentoring individuals?

It has made me think you don’t always realise how much you have experienced and learned over time, and how valuable and helpful this can be for others. For me, this is the biggest benefit, to be able to give back and see Trainees grow in themselves as well as their roles.

If you have the motivation and time to mentor a Trainee I would recommend you seriously consider it, you’ll be amazed at how much both of you will enjoy it and grow.

New Logo

MDS has experienced huge growth over the last two years. As the organisation enters a new chapter, we are pleased to reveal our new logo. The new logo is very different to our previous branding, however the message, values and mission that we have been delivering for the past 35 years are remaining strong. We are here to develop future leaders for the food and fresh produce industry.

The new logo focuses on the four different aspects of MDS, each represented by a different colour.

So what do the colours mean?

Serving the industry

We are here to serve the food and fresh produce industry. We support deliver for the industry as a whole not just through our tailored training programme but through our knowledge and promotion of the industry.

Serving our Members

We are here to serve our Members. MDS provide a first-class graduate programme and work in collaboration with our Members to benefit them in every way we can. We ensure they can recruit the right people and have access to the highest-calibre graduates. We also assist our Members through training and developing their own staff.

Serving our Trainees

One of the most important factors of MDS are our Trainees, we are here to develop and train potential. We are growing the future leaders of the food and fresh produce industry through tailored training, coaching and varied secondment experience.

Serving our Colleagues

Finally, we are here to serve our colleagues. We ensure a MDS staff experience the best culture possible through offering a huge amount of training and development opportunities. Our colleagues are what make MDS possible.

We are really looking forward to using our new logo to highlight the different aspects of MDS. We hope you like it too!