Ashley Burdock, Site Operations Manager at PDM Group’s Widnes plant, has been selected from a pool of more than 7000 candidates to win the Chartered Management Institute’s annual ‘National Merit Award’. The accolade is one of only three awards given by the Institute and recognises outstanding performance in a management qualification by students who have completed an Institute-accredited course.

Ashley won the Sir Henry Fildes award after completing the Institute’s Level 5 Executive Diploma in Management at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College. His success came after achieving five distinctions for modules that covered operational management, financial management and project development.

A father of three, Ashley has worked for PDM Group for 20 years. He is currently Site Operations Manager in Widnes, the Group’s largest processing plant, where he is responsible for more than 100 employees.

Ashley said: “It was a challenging but rewarding two years, combining part-time study with a full-time job and family life. I learnt a great deal, made some good friends and successfully transferred my learning into the workplace, showing how a reduction in overall energy consumption can be achieved with systematic monitoring.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed the course and gained more from attending the college twice a week, through interaction with other students. The course has helped me believe I can manage successfully and has given me the confidence to tackle any problem ‘head on’.”

Ashley has said that he will use the award as a spearhead towards other management qualifications. Neil Southern, Director of Qualifications at the Chartered Management Institute said: “Those managers who undertake formal management qualifications send out the clear message that continuous professional development is an integral part of being a successful manager. Ashley is to be congratulated on his achievement.”

Ashley received his award at a ceremony in Dartmouth House, London on 4 May.
Bob Ratcliffe, (PDM Group Director); Mr Ashley Burdock and Keith Jennison (PDM Group Director)

Ashley Burdock (centre) with PDM Group Directors Rob Ratcliffe (left) and Keith Jennison (right) following the award ceremony at Dartmouth House.