Bishop Auckland College apprentices become key to Durham Animal Feeds’ rise
Durham Animal Feeds, a leading UK manufacturer of raw pet food, is celebrating the vital role apprentices from Bishop Auckland College have played in the company’s recent expansion.
The family-run business, which has seen its staff grow to 220, credits its most recent apprentices – including Bliss Dunn, Ruby Mulholland, Megan Poole and Abbie Rodda – with bringing fresh energy and efficiency to its operations.
Founded by Lee Hornsby’s grandfather, Jack, and father, Peter, in 1969, the company shifted from the meat industry to pet food in the early 80s.
In the years since the Covid pandemic, the business has seen explosive growth, now producing over two million raw meals a month for pet shops, zoos and private customers.
According to Stacey Tulip, Durham Animal Feeds’ account manager, the apprentices have quickly become indispensable.
She said: “Hiring apprentices has given us extra depth to the business. They have taken over tasks that have allowed us to develop in other areas. They’ve massively strengthened the team and streamlined our workload. We couldn’t have asked for it to go any better and it’s been great working with the college, the recruitment process was extremely straightforward and the support they have given us and the apprentices has been fantastic.”
Managing director Lee Hornsby is proud of the company’s commitment to developing young talent.
He said: “The business has rapidly developed in recent years, since Covid we have gone from strength to strength and we changed the administration team this year, the girls are a massive part of that.
“I like to give youth a chance because we believe in giving people more opportunities to develop as people and to stay with us for the long term.”
The apprentices themselves are thriving in the hands-on environment.
Bliss, a 19-year-old Level 3 business admin apprentice from Shildon, said the experience has been invaluable.
“It is a really great experience here, building skills along the way,” Bliss said. “Before I started, I had a basic understanding of the role, but I’ve since discovered and developed skills I didn’t even know I had – thanks to my college work and the ongoing support from my assessor.
“I genuinely see a future for myself here and would love the opportunity to grow within the role and contribute to the business as it evolves.”
Ruby, a 20-year-old from Shildon, sought a career change and found her calling at Durham Animal Feeds.
She said: “This is a fantastic stepping stone for me. I have never worked anywhere like it, it’s been fantastic. When I started, I didn’t realise how many opportunities there would be. I thought it would just be dealing with emails, but I’ve learned how to reconcile and do wages. I’m loving my time here.”
Megan, 17, from Trimdon, is also gaining skills she didn’t know she needed.
“I am really enjoying it,” she said. “It’s giving me knowledge and skills I don’t have. I didn’t do business at school, but now I wish I had. I’m based across two sites, so I can learn so many different things.”
Durham Animal Feeds’ commitment to nurturing new talent is further exemplified by Abbie, a 21-year-old who started as a PA two years ago and is now embarking on a Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor apprenticeship.
Abbie said: “It is amazing here, and fantastic for apprentices to learn on the job. I came through the apprenticeship route myself, and here they will be given different opportunities to learn in different areas. It will be rewarding for me to see them flourish.”
The partnership with Bishop Auckland College has been a resounding success, with Durham Animal Feeds growing from a manufacturing site in Rushyford to now having distribution centres in Wester-Super-Mare and Lowestoft as well as a new HQ on Heighington Industrial Estate, Newton Aycliffe.
Kate Stockton, the college’s relationship manager, praised the apprentices’ progress. She said: “Each of them has embraced their role with enthusiasm and professionalism, and it is a pleasure to witness their increasing knowledge, confidence and skills on a daily basis.
“The team at Bishop Auckland College and Durham Animal Feeds are committed to nurturing talent, and the positive impact of a supportive learning environment is clearly reflected in the dedication and success of these young professionals.”
*For further information check out bacoll.ac.uk and durhamanimalfeeds.co.uk
