First two Hot Potatoes at Branston

25 September 2008

Branston launched Hot Potatoes - Hotter Prospects at the University of Lincoln's graduate fair to compete with other local businesses in attracting some of the brightest graduates around.

The first recruits on the Graduate Development Programme, Sridhar Mayuri and Karly Fox, joined Branston earlier this month. They will each undertake six placements, experiencing the company's main operational and support areas over the next two years. Positions on the Branston team await the pair if they successfully complete the programme, which involves developing key competencies, knowledge and skills, plus off-the-job training and study towards professional qualifications. 

Sridhar (25) graduated from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Bangalore, India with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) before taking an MSC in Advanced Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, followed by an MBA in Industrial Management.

Karly (23) gained a BA (Hons) Business and Marketing degree from the University of Lincoln. She also has a range of work experience, as well as organisational skills from her involvement with Market Rasen Young Farmers Club.  

Simon Telfer, Branston's HR and Logistics Director, is acting as a mentor to Karly and was instrumental in establishing Hot Potatoes - Hotter Prospects. "As the UK's leading supplier of potatoes we want to attract, develop and retain the bightest and most committed individuals. Hot Potatoes - Hotter Prospects allows us to do that and we're delighted to welcome Sridhar and Karly to the company. I am confident that our programme will help them develop their understanding of the commercial world and help us develop our business by bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives to the company."

Sridhar is being mentored by General Manager, Steve Robinson. With his technical background, Sridhar is delighted to have a role in which he can develop his skills and understanding of engineering in a busy production environment. "Having this opportunity is fantastic," he said. "I've studied a great deal and am keen to put my knowledge into practice. Branston is an excellent company and the people here are really supportive, but most of all they value my input and want to see my skills help the company continue its growth and success."