Nestlé Purina is returning as headline partners of the Fenland Enterprise Business Awards 2018.

At Purina PetCare, we think life is better with pets – and that people and pets are better together. Many of us are pet owners too so we know first-hand what a huge role pets can play in people’s lives.

We’re committed to creating nutritious foods that will keep cats and dogs of all ages happy, healthy and content.

Pets are loving companions and part of our families, so it’s really important that they not only enjoy the food we give them, but that it does them good.

Our foods aren’t just tasty, they’re packed with a combination of animal based raw materials, fish, vitamins and minerals that deliver a complete and well-balanced meal.

We know that a one-size-fits-all approach to food is not right for every pet. No dog or cat is ever the same, and just as they all have their own distinct personalities, they also have their own dietary needs too.

That’s why we’ve created a wide range of products tailored for all different needs of cats and dogs; from kittens to puppies, to those that live indoors, those that are always outdoors, those that are pregnant, and those with allergies and special dietary needs.

With over 85 years’ experience behind us, we have seen how proper feeding can actually help extend a pet’s healthy years. From dental health to cognitive health we are committed to creating nutritious foods which are good for health, wellbeing and longevity.

And with a global team of more than 500 Purina nutritionists, scientists, vets and animal behaviourists, we are on a mission to raise the bar for pet nutrition even higher. #WeAreBetterWithPets

At Purina, we are also passionate about helping our young people. This includes apprenticeships – a key success factor in bridging the gap between school and the workplace. We recognise that attracting and retaining the right talent is critical for us as a company.

As part of the ‘Nestlé Needs YOUth’ initiative, we have created over 1,000 new jobs or traineeships since 2014. That is why Purina’s Wisbech factory is keen to support the YOUth initiative by sponsoring the “Apprentice of the Year” category at the Fenland Business Awards this year.

More than a million people have started apprenticeships since May 2015, with applications in 2016/17 up almost 15 per cent on the previous year.

Apprentices are trained primarily in work, and are supported by a training provider.

There are currently four levels of apprenticeship available - intermediate, advanced, higher and degree – and qualifications generally take between one and six years to complete.

Twenty per cent of paid time will be spent off-the-job, developing skills and furthering your knowledge.

Apprentices are highly employable – 97 per cent of apprentices say their apprenticeship has improved their ability to do their job, and 92 per cent of in-work apprentices said their apprenticeship has had a positive impact on their job and career.

FEBA is still looking for entries for the following categories: food producer, retailer of the year, business in the community and medium business of the year.