Pig managers on course for success

FIVE pig producers from Norfolk and Suffolk are among the first 11 managers to take their place on the BPEX Professional Managers Development Scheme 2010, an 18-month course which begins in January.

They include Norfolk producers Paul Hume and Helen Hooks, both from East Anglian Pigs; and Suffolk producers Lizzie Press (BQP), Ewan Saile (S J Watchorn) and David Childerhouse (T&D Childerhouse).

Managers will attend a number of training sessions during the course. Each will kick off with an evening presentation focusing on a particular sector of the industry, followed by a day of management training delivered by Cedar Associates.

Work-based projects relevant to each manager’s role are included in the programme. Course leader Alistair Gibb said the aim was to address the challenges producers face in their respective businesses.

A total of 24 applications were received for the scheme, which is expected to become a regular fixture and aims to improve the recruitment and retention of high quality staff within the industry.

On successful completion of the course, managers will gain a nationally recognised qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management.