SORTING out their apples from their pears, eleven members of specialist ingredient manufacturer and distributor Orchard Valley Foods have started their diploma in leadership and management at the University of Worcester Business School.

Mike Forrester, managing director of the Tenbury Wells company, developed the Orchard Valley talent programme to the stage where the 2015 intake of 11 have begun their first module, managing and leading teams and individuals.

Mr Forrester said: "We were delighted with the interest shown in the Worcester Business School university diploma among the staff. I am passionate about training, and it’s an integral part of the culture of Orchard Valley Foods. The course will be challenging and stimulating for those taking part, and what they learn will stay with them forever. While no guarantees are possible, we hope that this gives the business a pool of people who may move into more responsible positions over time.”

Director of corporate programmes Tim Sellick added: “Mike approached us with a vision for the Orchard Valley talent programme in early 2015. With more than 450 individuals already having completed the Worcester Business School stage five diploma in leadership and management, it’s a well-proven, modular, progressive, company-tailored programme. The cohort comprises several business functions, and previous educational attainments ranging from GCSEs to degrees. Orchard Valley Foods has set up a team of mentors to support the individuals going through the programme and there is also support from line managers and the tutors, giving them the best chance of success and gaining the most out of their studies."