Author: Luke Shepperson

by Luke Shepperson

CDA refreshes leadership team as it accelerates financial transformation strategy

CDA refreshes leadership team as it accelerates financial transformation strategy


CDA has strengthened its senior leadership team as part of a wider financial transformation programme designed to drive growth, sharpen operational performance and support its parent company, the Amica Group.

The UK-based kitchen appliance brand has confirmed a series of internal promotions across key business functions. Chloe Knott has been appointed Head of Customer Care, Craig Taylor becomes Head of Sales, Greg Bones takes up the role of Head of Logistics & Supply Chain, and Laura Sills has been named Head of Product & Marketing.

The appointments form part of a strategic reset of CDA’s leadership structure, bringing together long-standing industry experience with a new generation of emerging talent. All four newly promoted leaders are graduates of CDA’s year-long Future Leaders Programme, which focuses on developing commercial capability through cross-functional exposure, external masterclasses and one-to-one mentoring.

They join an established senior leadership team including Paula Brown, Finance Director; Rae Hayward, Head of HR; and Mark Taylor, Head of Innovation, Quality and Technical Services, who recently celebrated 20 years with CDA. The milestone reflects continuity and deep expertise within the business, reinforcing stability alongside fresh thinking at a pivotal point in the company’s evolution.

Managing Director Chris Ward said the strengthened leadership team will play a crucial role as CDA continues to deliver its transformation agenda.
“This is an important moment for CDA. We are investing in the future of the business while recognising the incredible experience already within it,” said Ward. “Chloe, Craig, Greg and Laura have each shown outstanding capability and ambition through our Future Leaders Programme. Combined with the long-term leadership of people such as Paula and Mark, we now have a dynamic and highly capable team guiding CDA through its next phase of financial transformation and growth.”
Maja Rutkowska, Vice President and Chief HR Officer of the Amica Group, added that the appointments underline the Group’s commitment to developing leadership from within.
“Developing strong leadership capability across our businesses is critical to the future success of the Amica Group. CDA’s decision to promote internally reflects confidence in its people and belief in the next generation of leaders. This strengthened structure will support growth, operational excellence and profitability across the Group.”
The refreshed leadership line-up reinforces CDA’s focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence and long-term value creation as the business continues to evolve within the UK appliance market.
by Luke Shepperson

Appliance MD Keeps His Cool Raising Thousands for Nottingham Charities

CDA’s Managing Director, Chris Ward, proved that staying cool under pressure isn’t just for kitchen appliances. Last month, Chris successfully completed the Robin Hood Half Marathon dressed as a fridge, raising an impressive £1,500 for Nottingham-based suicide prevention charities Harmless and The Tomorrow Project. CDA proudly matched his total, bringing the final donation to £3,000 in support of these vital local organisations.

Running for a cause close to home

Taking on the 13.1-mile challenge in a custom-made fridge costume inspired by one of CDA’s own appliances, Chris quickly became a crowd favourite. Spectators along the route cheered on the “running refrigerator,” creating an atmosphere full of smiles, laughter, and community spirit.
“It was an unforgettable day,” said Chris. “Running 13 miles in a fridge costume certainly wasn’t easy, but the support from the crowd, my colleagues and everyone who donated kept me going. Knowing that the money raised will help save lives made every step worthwhile.”
Chris added that the cause is deeply personal:
“Suicide prevention is very close to my heart. I wanted to do something that could help others who might be struggling. I’m proud that together we’ve raised awareness and vital funds for two organisations doing life-changing work in our community.”

Supporting Harmless and The Tomorrow Project

Based in Nottingham, Harmless and its sister service The Tomorrow Project provide life-saving self-harm and suicide prevention support across the East Midlands. Their work includes therapy, crisis intervention, bereavement support and training for individuals, families and professionals. Leanne Moulton, Chief Academy Officer for both charities, expressed gratitude for the creative fundraising effort:
“A heartfelt thank you to Chris for taking on such a unique and demanding challenge. His creativity, commitment, and determination perfectly reflect the values we champion — compassion, community, and courage. Every donation, every conversation sparked by his efforts, brings us closer to a world where hope and recovery can truly be found.”
To learn more about these organisations or to make a donation, visit www.harmless.org.uk or www.tomorrowproject.org.uk.

CDA: A local brand with Ethical Values

Based in Langar, Nottinghamshire, CDA is a leading UK kitchen appliance brand and part of the Amica Group, one of Europe’s largest home appliance producers. The company offers a full range of built-in and freestanding appliances, including ovens, hobs, fridges and dishwashers, designed for performance, style and durability. CDA recently became the first kitchen appliance brand to receive Ethical Accreditation from The Good Shopping Guide, recognising its ongoing commitment to responsible business, community engagement and sustainability. CDA is proud to support local causes through fundraising, charity partnerships and mental health awareness initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to making a positive impact beyond the kitchen.
by Luke Shepperson

Spooky Halloween Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Spooky Halloween Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Soft, chewy, and packed with dark chocolate chunks. The perfect Halloween baking treat.

Why You’ll Love These Halloween Cookies

These cookies are buttery, chewy, and perfect for Halloween baking. The dark chocolate gives them a rich flavour and a moody, seasonal look. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds balance and makes them sparkle under the light. The dough can also be made ahead of time and chilled overnight, so you can bake fresh cookies right before your Halloween gathering.

Ingredients (Makes about 15 Large Cookies)

  • 120g salted butter, softened (or use unsalted butter and add a pinch more salt)
  • 75g light brown soft sugar
  • 75g granulated or caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 240g plain flour
  • ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • 170g dark chocolate, roughly chopped into chunks or good-quality chips
  • Sea salt flakes, optional, for sprinkling on top

Method

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Line two baking trays with baking parchment.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon or electric mixer to beat the butter and both sugars together until they are pale and just combined. Tip: Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies less chewy.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and bicarbonate of soda. Gently stir this into the wet mixture using a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated.

5. Fold in Chocolate

Fold in the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips. You can also add seasonal candy pieces such as orange M&Ms or candy eyes for a Halloween touch.

6. Shape and Chill (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape, chill the dough before baking. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions and place them on your prepared trays. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best flavour.

7. Bake

Place the chilled dough balls on the lined baking trays, leaving plenty of space between them as they will spread. If desired, sprinkle a few sea salt flakes on top. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the centres still look slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep the centres chewy.

8. Cool

Leave the cookies to cool on the tray for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to set as they cool.

Halloween Baking Tips

  • Make them extra spooky: Add candy eyes or orange sprinkles before baking.
  • Storage: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to five days.
  • Freezer-friendly: Freeze dough balls for up to two months. Bake from frozen, adding about two extra minutes to the baking time.

Perfect for Sharing

These cookies look great on a Halloween dessert table or packed into gift bags for party guests. Share your creations on social media using #HalloweenCookies or #SpookyCookieBake to inspire other bakers.
by Luke Shepperson

CDA makes history with Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide

Good Shopping Good Ethical Business logo

We are proud to announce that CDA has become the very first kitchen appliance brand to achieve Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide.

With a top-ranking Ethical Score of 89, CDA is now listed among the UK’s Top 200 Ethical Businesses, joining sustainability leaders such as Octopus Energy, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Green People.

This achievement is more than an award. It confirms CDA’s position at the forefront of ethical, responsible and sustainable business practices in the home appliance industry.

Recognition from The GOOD Shopping Guide

Kat Alexander, Director of The GOOD Shopping Guide said: “CDA’s Ethical Accreditation is powerful verification for today’s conscious consumers. This recognition, along with their top-ranking GSG Ethical Score in our tables, reflects not only strong sustainability credentials, but also a clear commitment to transparency and accountability. As the first brand in this sector to attain our independent endorsement, CDA now holds a distinct competitive advantage and raises the bar for ethical standards in the home appliances industry.”

A proud moment for CDA

Chris Ward, our Managing Director, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised with Ethical Accreditation from The GOOD Shopping Guide. This achievement is more than a certification. It reflects our values as a business and the commitment of our people to doing what is right for customers, communities and the planet. At CDA, we have always believed that great design and innovation must go hand in hand with responsibility. To now be ranked amongst the UK’s most ethical companies is a milestone moment that will inspire us to go even further.”

Leading the way in ethical appliances

CDA has secured top positions in four of The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Ethical Ratings tables for home appliances. Our product range includes cookers, dishwashers, fridge-freezers, washing machines, coffee machines, hobs, extractors and sinks.

Built on strong foundations

Since 1991, CDA has proudly operated from Nottinghamshire, showcasing British design and local talent for over three decades. We combine functionality with sleek design, backed by in-house customer care, dedicated engineers and a consistently high Trustpilot rating.

Why this matters

The GOOD Shopping Guide recognised CDA’s robust Code of Conduct, fair working conditions across our supply chain, and clean record of responsible production. This proves that ethics and sustainability are not an afterthought at CDA – they are at the heart of everything we do.

Our ethical accreditation certificate

The Good Shopping Guide Ethical Accreditation awarded to The CDA Group Ltd.

👉 Explore our full Ethical Score on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s website.

This accreditation is a defining moment for CDA. We are proud to set a new standard for our industry and to show that innovation, style and responsibility can go hand in hand.
by Luke Shepperson

CDA Managing Director Runs Nottingham Half Marathon Dressed as a Fridge  



On Sunday 28 September, CDA Managing Director Chris Ward will take on the Nottingham Half Marathon with a unique twist: he will be running the full 13.1 miles dressed as a fridge.

This unusual challenge is more than just a headline-grabber. Chris is running to raise funds for Harmless and its sister service, The Tomorrow Project, two organisations dedicated to supporting people affected by self-harm, suicide, and bereavement. With CDA Appliances match-funding every donation, every pound raised will have double the impact.

About the Nottingham Half Marathon

The Nottingham Half Marathon is one of the region’s most popular running events, attracting thousands of participants every year. The course winds through the city, showcasing some of Nottingham’s most iconic landmarks, and always delivers an electric atmosphere thanks to the cheering crowds.

This year, spectators are guaranteed an extra reason to cheer when they see Chris running past in a giant fridge costume. The light-hearted nature of the outfit adds humour and fun, but behind the costume is a serious mission: to raise awareness for mental health support and suicide prevention.

About Harmless

Harmless is a national centre of excellence for self-harm and suicide prevention. Founded in 2007, it is a user-led organisation, which means its services are shaped and guided by people with lived experience.

Harmless provides:
  • Direct support for people who self-harm.
  • Resources and information for families and carers.
  • Training and consultancy for professionals and organisations.
  • Campaigning work to reduce stigma and raise awareness about self-harm.
The charity’s mission is to reduce isolation, distress, and stigma while promoting health, recovery, and hope. By supporting Harmless, CDA is helping ensure that more people in crisis can access the right help at the right time.

About The Tomorrow Project

The Tomorrow Project was launched in 2012 after a series of tragic local suicides in Nottinghamshire. It was created to ensure that those affected by suicide could access urgent, compassionate, and practical support.

The project now offers:
  • Crisis intervention services for those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  • Outreach support to engage with communities most at risk.
  • Bereavement support for families, friends, and colleagues who have lost someone to suicide.
Operating across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire, the Tomorrow Project has become a lifeline for people navigating the darkest moments of their lives.

Why CDA is Supporting Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

At CDA, we believe businesses have a responsibility to support the communities they serve. Mental health challenges affect people in every workplace, family, and community. Supporting charities like Harmless and The Tomorrow Project is one way we can contribute to creating a culture of compassion, understanding, and hope.

CDA has a proud history of community engagement, from supporting local initiatives in Nottinghamshire to backing national campaigns that make a difference. By sponsoring Chris’s fridge run, we want to raise both awareness and funds for organisations that are truly changing lives.

A Word From Chris

Chris himself shared why this challenge means so much to him: “Running a half marathon is tough enough, but doing it dressed as a fridge adds a whole new level of challenge. It’s a fun way to draw attention to an incredibly serious cause. Harmless and The Tomorrow Project do life-saving work, and if dressing up helps spark a conversation and raise more funds, then it’s worth every step. I’m proud that CDA is not only supporting me but doubling every donation to maximise the impact.”

Every Donation Doubled by CDA

To make every contribution go even further, CDA will 100% match fund all donations. That means every pound you give will be doubled, directly supporting Harmless and The Tomorrow Project.

For example:
  • A £10 donation becomes £20.
  • A £25 donation becomes £50.
  • A £100 donation becomes £200.
Every penny raised will be shared between the two charities, ensuring more people can access life-saving services.

How You Can Help

You can show your support for Chris’s fridge run in a few simple ways:
  1. Donate online – Even a small contribution will make a big difference, especially with CDA’s match-funding. 👉 https://localgiving.org/fundraising/chriswardCDA
  2. Share the message – Post about Chris’s run and Harmless on social media to help spread awareness.
  3. Cheer on the day – If you’re in Nottingham on 28 September, join the crowds and cheer Chris on as he takes on the half marathon.
Cheering on CDA’s Managing Director

Running 13.1 miles is a challenge in itself, but doing it in a fridge costume takes dedication to another level. It will be a day to remember not just for Chris and CDA, but for everyone who supports Harmless and The Tomorrow Project through this event.

Let’s get behind CDA Managing Director Chris Ward and show our support as he takes on this unforgettable challenge. Together, with your donations doubled by CDA, we can help provide hope, compassion, and support for those who need it most.

👉 Donate today: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/chriswardCDA