What is your name?

My name is Dhiren Thakker.

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I work in the Foodservice Division as a Commercial Data Analyst. My role involves producing business reports, in Excel Spreadsheet format, using a facility called Business Objects to extract data from the Foodservice system. Business Objects reports are built according to the specifications determined by the recipients of the reports; Business Objects reports are exported to Excel and processed using a variety of Excel functions, as required, to produce final reports upon which business decisions are made. That could mean, for example, to find out how sales can be increased or how any low margins can be remedied.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I am related to actor Nitin Ganatra (who portrayed the character Masood Ahmed in Eastenders).

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I chose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions to further contribute to the success of our business. I wanted to utilise my skills and experience to make constructive contributions and suggestions in meetings to help the business achieve its objectives.

What is your name?

Tom Cumiskey

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I am a Proposition Controller and work predominantly on the Food for Later shopper mission. It is my roll to set up the strategy in this area and work with the wider teams to deliver the best proposition to the consumer and retail partners.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I am addicted to endurance sports and have raced ultramarathons up to 102 miles long and IronMan triathlons up to 140.6 miles long.

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I was firstly inspired by an AFB online conference and when the call for volunteers came out after that I signed up straightaway. I am passionate about inclusion in sport out of work and love the opportunity to champion inclusion in the workplace for those who identify as having disabilities. I also admire the way in which AFB are fully behind this programme and how it’s placed at the heart of the business and not the periphery.

What is your name?

Manprite Patel (Mani)

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

Work in sales team as telesales advisor covering food service, wholesale and BTP.

Fun fact about yourself?

I am also an independent travel agent.

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I love being involved in different parts of the business, networking and learning new things.  I thrive on making a difference by helping others whenever I can.

What is your name?

Chris Caddick

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I’m a transport Shift manager in Willenhall, I help oversee our amazing team of class 1 and 2 drivers to ensure they get as much support on the road as possible.

Fun fact about yourself?

I was once an avid Skateboarder in my youth (although you wouldn’t think looking at me now!)

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I wanted to help make a difference within AFB! It’s such a good company to work for and if we as a group can help make it even better, I’m all in! The company has made such great movements recently with the recent Race at Work workshop, Mental health first aid as well as policies in relation to childcare and absence.

What is your name?

Caroline Wills

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I am Operations Support Manager for Blakemore Retail.  My job role is extremely varied with no day the same, however it includes being a point of contact between our stores, field team and the rest of the business, managing the NSPCC charity partnership and several service providers as well as co-ordinating meetings and events.

Fun fact about yourself?

I have appeared on TV three times in the last year!

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

As someone based in Head Office but who also has an understanding of our store needs, I wanted to be involved to share thoughts and ideas for how the programme could develop and evolve to suit all of the different people and environments.

What is your name?

Lisa Ruskin

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

Sourcing Manager – Vegan / Plant Based Products. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting products in the plant based world, it’s about trend spotting, developing relationships with brands (both independent and the larger multinationals) and making sure we’re offering our customers the options to make their range successful or their dinner delicious.

Fun fact about yourself?

I’m on my fifth career change and in one of those past careers supplied Joaquin Phoenix with some shoes for the Oscars.

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

There are many measures of success and financial success which is important, but doesn’t have to come at the expense of causing damage in any way. The smallest tweaks can often make the biggest impact and it’s always interesting to be part of the discussion.

What is your name?

Matthew Bell

What is your job role and a quick description of what you do?

I am a Commercial group Data Analyst; I analyse the commercial data and create reports for the commercial team.

Fun fact about yourself?

I am currently obsessed with growing Tropical and Exotic plants, the tougher the better.

Why did you choose to join the Responsible Business Programme Champions?

I wanted to join the programme as seeing for myself the range of people that are willing to invest time, and effort to make or spread positivity throughout AFB. That was a huge selling point for me (for lack of a better word) but also being able to contribute knowing the business is attentively listening and you can see the proof of that from many mediums.