FAMILY businesses Oakland International and Attwell Farm Park organised a ‘Meet the Neighbours’ event, to give the Redditch community the chance to ask questions about the businesses.
The aim of the event was to share insights into the two companies and foster open communication. It concluded with a question-and-answer session covering topics such as lorries, litter and future plans, with attendees shared their thoughts and ideas.
Co-Founder Dean Attwell gave an in-depth overview of Oakland International, an award-winning total supply chain family business servicing retail, wholesale, discount and convenience markets across the UK and Ireland.
Oliver Arundel discussed Attwell Farm Park’s work with local schools through their range of tailored educational visits, and supporting access for neurodiverse and disabled children and adults.
The event was supported by Rachel Ollerenshaw from Molly Ollys Wishes, a children’s charity both businesses proudly support and Debbie Roberts from the Oakland Foundation.
Molly Olly’s Wishes supports children and families with life-threatening illnesses and their families, providing individual gifts and donating therapeutic toys and books to children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
The Oakland Foundation helps disadvantaged young people access educational, health and nutrition and sporting programmes, irrespective of social background or physical ability.
Resident Graham Thompson said: “It was eye-opening to learn that much of the food we buy from supermarkets has come via Oakland.
“It was also inspiring to hear about the charity work both businesses do and their commitment to the community.”
Canon Rev Paul Lawlor of Beoley Parish Church added: “I commend Oakland International and Attwell Farm Park for planning this event.
“We all need to live and work together, and this is a great first step toward building a stronger community spirit.”
Oakland International informed neighbours that there were no plans to expand further in Redditch and addressed concerns about dropped litter from passing cars by offering to increase their regular litter picking operations.
