Dagenham’s ‘Dash’ Wins Skills & Development Award

Updated: 26 February, 2024

Updated: 26 February, 2024

We are delighted to announce that our JJ Foodservice Supervisor, Satabdi Dash (a.k.a ‘Dash’) was presented with a FWD Skills & Development Award yesterday for her super-fast progress at the Dagenham branch.

The annual FWD event took place at the Houses of Parliament where Satabdi received the award for becoming the first women to complete her training and get her licence on all JJ Foodservice equipment including a Reach Truck, Pallet Mover and fork lift.

Beaming: Joan Ryan (pictured right), Member of Parliament for Enfield, presents Satabdi Dash (pictured left) with her Award

Satabdi, who has been with JJ’s for 18 months, said the event was incredible.

“I’ve never been to the Houses of Parliament – it was a once in a lifetime experience,” she said. She previously worked for American Express as a software engineer in her small hometown of Bhubaneswar, India.

“I’ve always wanted to work for a big company like JJ’s. I’ve had fantastic support from all my managers particularly Halil and Charlie”, she said. In addition to her driving qualifications, Dash is also a qualified Fire Marshall and First Aider.

Already promoted three times in her first 12 months, Satabdi has big ambitions for the future and said she would love to become JJ’s first female branch manager.

“I come from a small town but I have big ambitions. I am developing my knowledge of all areas of the business. My managers have invested in training me and it has changed my life – I will take every opportunity as far as I can,” she said.

A Facebook post sharing Satabdi being presented with the award caught the attention of local media in India and she was quickly contacted by local media who ran the story on local TV and press.

“I’ve had lots of YouTube hits and likes on Facebook”, said Satabdi. “Thank you JJ Foodservice for putting me forward to receive the Award.”

“Women should not restrict themselves to office jobs”

Wholesale is an “incredible” place to work according to Satabdi and that she would like to see more females in the sector.

“If I can make a difference in one branch other women can make a huge difference to the industry as a whole. Women should not restrict themselves to office jobs, they should push themselves forward.

“I stepped outside of my comfort zone – if you have the will and you want to achieve something – you will eventually get there,” she said.

Outside of work, Satabdi has an interest in air rifle shooting and was a country player for air rifle shooting in India. “I have joined a shooting club in London and would like to encourage more women into male-dominated sports like air rifle shooting.”

Read more about the FWD Skills & Development Awards here