Derek's top business accolade
A Kidderminster man has become the fourth in the UK to notch up an outstanding success in business management. A Kidderminster man has become the fourth in the UK to notch up an outstanding success in business management. Midcounties Co-operative director Derek Watkins, aged 68, has recently completed his Advanced Diploma in Co-operative and Mutual Directorship. This high-level qualification, suitable for those active at board level, is awarded by the Co-operative College. The course includes training of individuals to oversee co-operative organisations and societies. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Midcounties Co-operative director Derek Watkins, aged 68, has recently completed his Advanced Diploma in Co-operative and Mutual Directorship.
This high-level qualification, suitable for those active at board level, is awarded by the Co-operative College.
The course includes training of individuals to oversee co-operative organisations and societies.
The course includes a variety of classroom-based workshops and distance learning.
Mr Watkins completed it early, taking only eight months rather than the usual three years. Examiners were so impressed with his achievement they upgraded him to a higher level of award.
Mr Watkins has served on the Board of Midcounties Co-op since May 2005 and worked for the movement for 40 years, including being a branch and departmental manager at a food store.
He said: "As a locally-owned, co-operative business it is important that we, as board members, continued our own training and development. This challenging course focused on the commercial business environment and the co-operative model."
Chief executive of the Midcounties Co-operative Ben Reid said: "I would like to congratulate Derek for committing to this study so that he can carry out the challenging role of a director."
