Oakland International and Attwell Farm Park organised a highly successful ‘Meet the Neighbours’ event at Attwell Farm Park on Thursday 27th February.
The Seafield Lane event in Redditch, open to the local community, provided an excellent opportunity to share insights into Attwell Farm Park and Oakland International with the evening helping to encourage and foster open communication, and concluding with a question-and-answer session covering topics such as lorries, litter and future plans, with attendees sharing their thoughts and ideas.
Local resident Graham Thompson commented: “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.”
Co-Founder Dean Attwell gave an in-depth overview of Oakland International, an award-winning total supply chain solutions 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 Ollys 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.
Canon Reverend 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 are 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.
The company also offered tours of their depot for those interested in learning more about their operations and invited community members aware of worthy causes, which are in need of support, to contact the Oakland Foundation.
Oakland International Co-Founder Dean Attwell commented: “The evening surpassed our expectations and provided an excellent opportunity to present and discuss future development plans with the local community.
“It also highlighted the ongoing community support and involvement of both businesses, and we extend our gratitude to representatives from children’s charities Molly Ollys and the Oakland Foundation for their support.”
Attwell Farm Park’s Oliver Arundel added: “It was a fantastic chance to connect with our neighbours, build relationships, and share insights about the Farm Park. Our hope is that future events will encourage broader participation, as open communication is essential in strengthening community relationships and addressing shared challenges. It was a really positive evening.”