MDS Leavers Lunch & Award Ceremony – Spring 2026
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting the Group 55 Leavers Lunch, celebrating the cohort as they reach the end of their time on the MDS scheme.
The lunch was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the journey of Group 55 – a journey marked by curiosity, resilience, and growth. As Saffy Waterson, our CEO, reflected:
“Today isn’t just about certificates. It’s a significant moment, where you realise that you’re no longer being prepared – you’re stepping forward. Two years ago, you all had ambition and curiosity, and some were uncertain. Now, you’re stepping into new businesses, expectations, and environments – more capable, more confident, more resilient, and ready.”
David Bagshaw Award – Ivor Stirling
A key moment of the event was the presentation of the David Bagshaw Award, chosen by the Apprenticeship College. This award recognises exceptional performance, both in the quality of work delivered and in the way a Trainee carries themselves every day.
Haley Williams-Dixon from the Apprenticeship College said:
“What truly sets this individual apart is not just their capability, but their character. They are humble in their achievements, always quick to recognise the support of others and express genuine gratitude. Consistently kind, approachable and compassionate, they lift others up and create a positive environment simply by being part of it. Their dedication, passion and work ethic have been evident throughout, and their impact on those around them has been lasting.”
We were thrilled to see Ivor Stirling receive this honour – a well-deserved recognition of his talent, professionalism, and the difference he makes to those around him.
Doug Henderson Award – Ed Mayell
The Doug Henderson Award celebrates Trainees who have demonstrated exceptional responsibility, leadership, and impact. This year, Ed Mayell was our deserving winner.
Ed consistently impressed with his professionalism, drive, and capability. He has taken responsibility for agricultural operations, coordinated planting across multiple sites, and led a nationwide series of industry events, analysing outcomes and presenting recommendations to senior leaders. Across all of this, he has actively promoted careers in the sector, built strong relationships, and consistently looked for ways to improve processes.
These qualities – ownership, consistency, impact, and proactive leadership – are exactly the values that Doug Henderson himself championed. Ed has also been a true ambassador of the MDS scheme, mentoring applicants and supporting fellow Trainees.
We are proud to recognise Ed with this award, and we can’t wait to see him achieve even more in the future!
Looking Back at Group 55
Saffy reflected on the wider significance of this milestone:
“Over the last two years, you’ve navigated real responsibility – real budgets, real crops, real customers, and real operational challenges. You’ve worked in the field, in pack houses, retail buying teams, research environments, boardrooms and industry events. Sometimes things haven’t gone as planned, but you’ve adapted, stepped up, and grown professionally. Somewhere along the way, you stopped feeling like a Trainee and became leaders.”
She also reminded the group of the bigger picture:
“Stay curious, stay connected, and recognise the privilege of working in an industry that feeds people. The decisions you make have impact – they shape the system that feeds communities. You’ve earned your confidence, and you have the skills, experience, and judgement to succeed. You were built to fly, and the future is yours.”
Group 55 have shown incredible curiosity, commitment, and tenacity throughout their MDS journey. They’ve taken on real responsibility, developed their skills, and made a positive impact across the sector.
We are proud of all they’ve achieved and look forward to celebrating their future successes as they take the next steps in their careers.
