Brusco Food Group has been named as the first business to achieve 'Champion' membership status in the Optima UK 'Work Well, Live Better' scheme.

Reaching ‘champion’ status shows that Brusco has taken consistent action in implementing positive changes to improve the health and wellbeing of their team. Brusco was awarded ‘Champion’ status after completing eight selected activities designed to enhance workplace health and wellbeing.

One of the most impactful initiatives embraced by the company was the ‘Orange Button Scheme’, which supports suicide-prevention and mental health awareness in the workplace.

After attending a 'Work Well, Live Better' event last year, three of Brusco’s Mental Health First Aid Champions signed up for the scheme. They now proudly wear Orange Buttons in the workplace, symbolising that they are approachable, trained, and available to support colleagues who may be struggling with mental health challenges.

Jacqui Wren, Head of People at Brusco Food Group, said:

“Brusco is proud to be part of Worcestershire’s Work Well Live Better scheme, and the People team have found the programme invaluable. Becoming the first 'Champion' member of the 'Work Well, Live Better' scheme marks a significant achievement for Brusco Food Group, and we hope to inspire other businesses to prioritise employee wellbeing and mental health.”

Mark Armstrong, Managing Director of Brusco Food Group, added:

"At Brusco we firmly believe that a healthy, supported workforce is the foundation of exceptional customer care. By creating an environment where our people feel valued, nurtured and empowered, we equip them to bring their best selves to work every day. This focus on wellbeing strengthens our workplace culture and enables our team to provide the trusted, quality service that our customers deserve."

Work Well Live Better is a county-wide network in Worcestershire that facilitates the sharing and learning of best practice, as well as peer support and access to health and wellbeing resources and training. The scheme aims to provide information and support across the following key areas: Health and Wellbeing, Healthy Eating, Mental Health and Wellbeing Support, Physical Activity and Musculoskeletal Health (MSK), Sleep, Smoking, Alcohol and Substance Misuse and Workplace Culture & Environment.

For more information about Brusco Food Group’s wellbeing initiatives, visit their website:

Photo caption: L to R: Jacqui Wren, Head of People; Hannah Reece-Mills, People Co-ordinator and Mark Armstrong, Managing Director of Brusco.