Joanne
12/4/2024 7:54:57 PM
4 mins read
Diversity and inclusion are key priorities in modern Britain – and these issues are being championed in sport, music, film, Government and education. Bakkavor Desserts in Devizes also believes that businesses have a key role to play to be advocates for positive change, and to be influencers in the communities where they do business.
With this in mind, the Devizes-based business has just completed an month-long educational diversity awareness and culture programme in the workplace.
The business employs colleagues from 40 different countries, and this cultural diversity is core to the strength of the team’s culture.
As Stuart Dillon, Site Operations Manager at Bakkavor Devizes comments: “We celebrate difference at Bakkavor Desserts. We celebrate the unique contributions everyone can bring and yet we have created a ‘one team’ culture. Celebrating different cultures, beliefs and ideas has made us a better team, a more inclusive team and a more dynamic business in the way we innovate and exceed our customer’s expectations. The diversity of our team encourages us to think of what is possible, rather than stick to the safety net of how things have always been done. We have a culture of listening to each other and learning from each other. The results are clear – the business works better and our people are happier because we invest in and celebrate diversity.”
The Bakkavor team’s focus on international, cultural engagement is fitting for a town that itself has many international links. Devizes has a number of international twinning links with towns across the work including Mayenne and Waiblingen. The Devizes International Blues Festival has, for many years, attracted an international audience and the name Devizes itself is of Latin origin.
The activities undertaken on site at Bakkavor Desserts over the last month to promote culture and diversity were themselves wide-ranging. Stuart Dillon adds: “We celebrated music from around the world for a month and we learned about songs from other cultures. We explored recipes from 40 countries, we encouraged cultural dress days and sports teams’ shirts were worn from countries around the world. Within one site in Devizes we fostered connections across the globe. From global recipe swaps and cultural dress days to rocking sports shirts from around the world, we brought new flavours, stories, and learnings to the workplace.
“We believe diversity is our superpower. By embracing different perspectives, cultures, and ideas, we’ve created a one-team culture that’s innovative, inclusive, and always thinking outside the (cake) box. It’s this approach that helps us exceed expectations – from crafting delicious desserts to creating a happier, more united team.”
“In a world that often feels divided, we believe in building bridges, one small act at a time. We may just be one team in Devizes, but we’re proof that even small actions can spark real change. This month has been a giant leap forward for us – and we’re excited to keep the momentum going.”
