A senior leader at MM Packaging Deeside has achieved one of the highest leadership qualifications available in the UK.
Keith Brazier, head of print operations, production planning and pre-press, has successfully completed the ILM Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management in just 10 months, a qualification equivalent to a master’s degree and the highest level offered by the Institute of Leadership & Management.
The achievement marks another chapter in a career that began 27 years ago with an apprenticeship in the print industry after Keith completed a BA (Hons) in graphic design.
He said, “When this qualification was suggested to me, I knew it would be a significant challenge. It had been quite a long time since I’d undertaken formal study, and because of the level of the qualification there was definitely some apprehension, but I wanted to keep progressing and prove to myself that I could do it.”
The qualification required him to demonstrate strategic leadership through major business improvement projects, many of which are said to have delivered benefits for MM Packaging and the wider MM Group.
Keith added, “I’m incredibly proud to have completed it. More than anything, it’s reinforced the importance of always pushing yourself and remaining open to learning, no matter what stage of your career you’re at. It’s helped me develop as a leader and given me a fresh perspective on how I approach challenges, people and decision making.”
The achievement also underlines MM Packaging Deeside’s commitment to developing staff and to allow them to build a career in manufacturing. Keith was instrumental in re-establishing the site’s apprenticeship programme. Since relaunching the initiative, eight apprentices have progressed through their training, with more set to join the business in the coming months.
Dave Whitworth, MM Packaging MD, commented, “We’re proud to see Keith succeed and to achieve this diploma is an inspiration to everyone at the business. Whether you’re a senior manager or an apprentice, it’s our goal to provide people with clear career paths. If Keith’s journey shows anything, it’s that an apprenticeship can be the start of something bigger.”
