The 'Kneading Room'
21/12/2009
A Warburtons' learning centre recently opened at the Company's Eastwood Bakery in Nottingham. It is the result of a joint trade union effort between the United Road Transport Union (URTU) and the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU). The centre contains five computers with broadband access and is open to all staff to use during breaks, lunchtimes and on days off.
It was opened, in style, by Jonathan Warburton, fifth generation Warburtons family member and chairman of the Company, along with Eastwood Mayor, Keith Longdon, and the Mayor of Broxtowe Borough, John Longdon.
This opening proved great pulling power with the attendance of URTU General Secretary, Bob Monks, supported by URTU National Officers Mel Thornton & Brian Hart. URTU National Project Manager, Graham Cooper, and the project team attended to support this great day, along with Dorban Ippoma of the BFAWU.
In his opening speech, Jonathan Warburton said; "Employee training and development is very important to our business. Our employees are at the heart of our success and we are committed to helping all our staff develop their skills and achieve their full potential both in and outside the working environment.
"Having taken great pleasure in opening this learning centre, it gives me even greater happiness to thank URTU & BFAWU. I would also like to congratulate everyone for their joint efforts in making this centre a possibility and for helping to make this a blueprint for future joint ventures with Warburtons".
URTU Union Learning Reps (ULRs), Danny Hanks and Desney Want, commented on the need for this centre; "We believe this learning centre will encourage more staff to participate and upgrade their skills. All thanks go to URTU for supporting us and Warburtons for giving us the chance".
Such is the support for this centre, a competition was launched during the weeks leading to the opening asking for suggestions to name the learning centre. The winner came up with the idea of calling it the ‘Kneading Room'.
The support of the staff, ULRs, Warburtons, and the trade unions will definitely make the ‘Kneading Room' a great success. And, as every good baker knows, the making of a good loaf is determined by the quality of its kneading.
The popularity of the Eastwood ‘Kneading Room' will ensure it becomes a true centre of excellence for staff learning and we wish it every success.
