Muntons launches Muntons Academy to develop local talent
Muntons, the Stowmarket-based malt and ingredients company, has launched the Muntons Academy, a new learning and development initiative to support colleague training, professional qualifications and leadership development.
The Muntons Academy, which is being supported by the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway (SIG), will provide a focused framework for the company’s learning, skills and leadership development to support colleagues at every stage of their careers. It will also cover technical and specialist training, helping to safeguard critical industry skills, such as the development of future Master Maltsters.
Muntons Academy is SIG’s first formal employer partnership, bringing together one of Stowmarket’s longest-established businesses with one of its newest centres for innovation and enterprise.
As part of the year-long agreement, Stowmarket Innovation Gateway will be supporting the Academy with a grant which will enable Muntons to expand learning opportunities for employees over the next 12 months. Muntons employees will have access to a range of practical skills programmes and short courses delivered through SIG and its partners, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, leadership and business skills.
Mark Tyldesley, Chief Executive Officer at Muntons, said: “As a business that has been part of Stowmarket for over 75 years and in operation for more than 100, we’re proud of our heritage, but we’re equally focused on the future. Muntons Academy represents a significant investment in our people and demonstrates our commitment to developing the skills, knowledge and leadership capability that will enable both our colleagues and our business to continue thriving for years to come.
“Partnering with Stowmarket Innovation Gateway is a natural fit. Innovation has always been at the heart of Muntons, whether that’s through new ingredients, sustainability initiatives or the way we develop our people. This partnership gives us access to fantastic facilities and expertise, while helping us strengthen our connections within the local business community.”
Councillor Richard Winch, cabinet member for housing and property at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: “I’m delighted to see such an important local employer like Muntons enter this partnership with the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway. When we created this centre, innovation, collaborative working and bridging the local skills gap were at the heart of what we wanted to achieve, and this partnership does just that.
“It’s a great opportunity for their staff to develop their skills and navigate the changing world of AI and automation. We hope that everyone involved finds the programme incredibly useful and we’re hopeful that this might be the first of many similar partnerships.”
Caroline Haynes from Stowmarket Innovation Gateway, added: “Muntons is one of Suffolk’s most respected and long-standing businesses and shares our belief that investing in people is essential for future growth and innovation.
“This partnership demonstrates how established businesses and innovation hubs can work together to create opportunities for skills development, support the adoption of new technologies and help build a stronger local economy.”
An event to mark the launch of Muntons Academy and the partnership between Muntons and Stowmarket Innovation Gateway took place today, Thursday 1st October. Attendees heard from representatives of both organisations before meeting some of the innovative businesses already based at the Gateway 14 facility. The event also showcased how the partnership will create opportunities for learning, collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the wider region.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment between the two organisations to developing the skills of local talent as Muntons continues to invest in digitisation across its operations.
