The finalists of this year’s Prestigious Suffolk Business Awards have been announced, with Gressingham Foods in the running for Employer of the Year.
The Suffolk Business Awards are the premier business awards for the county and are held every year to celebrate the achievements, individuals and significant milestones that mark a company’s journey, providing a unique environment for networking and helping to raise the profile of businesses throughout Suffolk.
Gressingham Foods, has been nominated as a finalist in the Employer of the Year category, alongside three other businesses: Access Community Trust, Chestnut and Orwell Housing Association.
“We are delighted to be named a finalist in these awards as we pride ourselves on looking after our staff, creating an inclusive and inspiring working environment and providing exciting employment opportunities. It’s fantastic for this hard work and dedication to be recognised by the judging panel,” comments Rebecca Alderton, Marketing and Communications Manager at Gressingham Foods.
Noting that learning and development appears to be one of Gressingham’s “key strengths”, the judges said that the company’s training approach was “enthusiastic and immersive,” particularly its engagement with schools and efforts to attract and retain apprentices, with offerings including laptops, bicycles and moped hire and lessons. “We’re always looking for ways to support our staff and young people coming into the business. This last year we also signed up to the government-baked Kickstart programme, helping four young people into work and supporting their development,” adds Rebecca.
Gressingham Foods near Woodbridge rears Gressingham ducks on Red Tractor-assured farms and is one of the main suppliers of duck in the UK. The company was founded by Maurice and Miriam Buchanan in 1971 and remains a family-run business today.
Strong marketing strategy and new distribution channels have increased UK sales of duck significantly over the past 10 years, and today Gressingham employs over 700 people, with this number rising to 1,300 during its Christmas campaign where it also produces geese and turkeys.
Winners of the Suffolk Business Awards will be announced at the awards event on Thursday 29th September.
