A business is only as resilient as its people. That is why we view training not merely as a requirement, but as the bedrock of our safety and success. Beyond simply ticking a box, development builds competence, confidence, and adaptability—strengthening collaboration, reducing risk, and securing the long-term sustainability of our organisation.

Looking back at 2025, we are pleased to have continued our significant investment in the Exwold team. From new digital platforms to specialised technical degrees, here are some of the key highlights from our year of learning.

Prioritising Safety from the Top Down

Safety is the bedrock of the chemical industry, and 2025 saw us strengthening our safety culture at every level of the business.

• Process Safety Leadership: Our commitment to safety starts in the boardroom. Managing Director Kevin Martin attended Cogent’s Process Safety Leadership for Senior Executives & Board Members, demonstrating that safety is a priority that permeates the entire organisation.
• The Safety Hub: We successfully implemented the “Safety Hub” platform. This digital tool allows us to provide consistent training across the company and gives us the flexibility to upload bespoke training materials relevant to our specific site needs.
• COMAH & Emergency Preparedness: As part of our COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) authorisation, we completed our mandatory 3-yearly training exercise in July. This was conducted in collaboration with local Emergency Services, ensuring our team is prepared for any scenario.

Deepening Technical Expertise

To stay ahead in a complex industry, our technical teams have been expanding their knowledge base through rigorous external coursework.

• Practical Assessments: In Q1, both our Technical Manager and Health & Safety Officer completed the HSE’s COSHH: Practical Assessment and Control course, refining our approach to hazardous substances.
• BioControl Innovation: In September, Technical Manager Chris Beevers attended I-formulate’s online training on Formulation of Microbials for Agrochemical Applications. This is a key step in further expanding Exwold’s knowledge and capabilities in the growing BioControl sector.
• Industry Collaboration: Our team took full advantage of the excellent courses offered by the Chemical Industries Association (CIA), covering critical topics such as:
  • Process Safety Awareness
  • Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres (DSEAR)
  • Crisis Management Masterclass
  • COMAH Human Factors
  • Problem Solving in Production

Nurturing the Next Generation

We are dedicated to supporting the individual career paths of our staff, helping them achieve formal qualifications that benefit their futures and our company.

• Apprenticeship Success: We are proud to support Ben Goodwin, who is currently in the 2nd year of his Apprenticeship, supported by Cogent Apprenticeships for Science and Technology.
• Academic Achievement: Cameron Barker has been studying hard alongside his work, progressing towards his BSc (Hons) in Natural Sciences (Chemistry) through the Open University.

2025 was a year of cementing knowledge and building new capabilities. By equipping our team with the right skills, from the boardroom to the production floor, we are not just improving our daily operations; we are securing a safer, more innovative future for Exwold.