Stephen Oswald graduation 2018

Stephen Oswald at his graduation

Bidfresh chief executive Stephen Oswald has graduated with a Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership, showing a desire to limit the environmental impact of his business.

The London-based supplier delivers fresh produce, fish, meat and dairy products to chefs across the UK, and Oswald said all aspects of the business were “areas to consider with regards sustainability”.

The part-time course accredited by the University of Cambridge focuses on developing students’ awareness and understanding of the “social, environmental, ethical and economic challenges and opportunities facing the world”, according to the university’s website.

Aimed at working professionals, it “aims to develop a community of leaders who have the vision and ambition to drive business leadership to achieve real systems change”.

Commenting on the qualification, Oswald said: “I take the issue of sustainability very seriously, which is why I chose to study this area… We feel, as a company and individuals, it is our responsibility to take action and put processes into place to minimise the impact we have on the environment.”

In a further effort to make the business more environmentally friendly, Bidfresh recently appointed Paul Leyland to the position of commercial and sustainability director at its Bolton-based wholesaler Oliver Kay Produce.

Part of the Bidfresh group, Oliver Kay supplies fresh produce, dairy and ambient goods to the catering industry.

In his new role Leyland, who has been at the company since 1999, will focus on sustainability in areas such as processes, sourcing, transport and packaging.