Food job loss fears as Chinese buyers mull over United Biscuits deal
As reported in the Financial Times this month, a major Chinese food company is considering taking over United Biscuits, the iconic British manufacturer of well-loved snacks such as Jaffa Cakes, Mini Cheddars, Jacob's, McVities, Penguin and Hula Hoops.
Speculation is currently mounting over whether Bright Foods, located in Shanghai, will put in a bid for the company, which is currently owned by private equity firms in the US and France. The Financial Times estimates that such a deal could be worth up to £2.5 billion.
Job loss concerns
Similarly to the recent Kraft takeover of Cadbury, many in the food industry are concerned that such an illustrious deal would result in many food job losses as the Chinese company attempt to 'rationalise' the business. The Kraft/Cadbury deal ended up with 150 people losing their jobs.
MP John McDonnell from Hayes, where United Biscuits has its head office and employs 500 of its 7,000 staff in food jobs, is optimistic about the deal. He said:
Speculation is currently mounting over whether Bright Foods, located in Shanghai, will put in a bid for the company, which is currently owned by private equity firms in the US and France. The Financial Times estimates that such a deal could be worth up to £2.5 billion.
Job loss concerns
Similarly to the recent Kraft takeover of Cadbury, many in the food industry are concerned that such an illustrious deal would result in many food job losses as the Chinese company attempt to 'rationalise' the business. The Kraft/Cadbury deal ended up with 150 people losing their jobs.
MP John McDonnell from Hayes, where United Biscuits has its head office and employs 500 of its 7,000 staff in food jobs, is optimistic about the deal. He said:
"It's too early to tell at the moment, but should the deal go ahead, I would hope that the new company would commit to a long-term future in the area, and I would expect them to provide continuity in the same way that they have done in the past, and work with the local community."
The FDF holds events at the Labour Party Conference today
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has organised a series of events to run alongside the Labour Party Conference in Manchester, where the party's 'high-profile' politicians will debate key issues affecting the country's future.
With an annual turnover of £73 billion and employing around 440,000 people in food jobs, the FDF believes that the future of the food industry should be a crucial part of the 2010 conference. This is why a series of fringe events have been organised, in order to discuss how the food industry can help with the UK's economic recovery and how the government can do more in support.
Events
The first event, which ran at 12.30pm - 2pm at the Radisson Hotel, was entitled 'The role of UK manufacturing: is there still time to rebalance the economy?' Key speakers included the Chair of the FDF, Julian Hunt, and Chris Wermann, regional corporate affairs director at Kelloggs.
The second of today's events was entitled 'Whose food is it anyway?', hosted at Manchester Central between 1pm and 2pm. Key speakers at this meeting were MP Kate Green and Barbara Gallani, FDF's director of food safety and science.
FDF Chair Julian Hunt had this to say about the organisation's involvement in the 2010 Labour Party Conference:
With an annual turnover of £73 billion and employing around 440,000 people in food jobs, the FDF believes that the future of the food industry should be a crucial part of the 2010 conference. This is why a series of fringe events have been organised, in order to discuss how the food industry can help with the UK's economic recovery and how the government can do more in support.
Events
The first event, which ran at 12.30pm - 2pm at the Radisson Hotel, was entitled 'The role of UK manufacturing: is there still time to rebalance the economy?' Key speakers included the Chair of the FDF, Julian Hunt, and Chris Wermann, regional corporate affairs director at Kelloggs.
The second of today's events was entitled 'Whose food is it anyway?', hosted at Manchester Central between 1pm and 2pm. Key speakers at this meeting were MP Kate Green and Barbara Gallani, FDF's director of food safety and science.
FDF Chair Julian Hunt had this to say about the organisation's involvement in the 2010 Labour Party Conference:
"Through these events, we hope to deliver our key messages about the importance of the food and drink industry and the need for it to be positioned at the heart of the new government's economic thinking."
Sainsbury's to create 520 food jobs with three huge new stores
Supermarket chain Sainsbury's is set to open three new stores in the UK next week, one of which will be the company's largest in England, Wales and Scotland. Around 520 new food jobs will be created across the three new supermarkets, opening up valuable opportunities for graduates and food professionals alike.
Crayford in Essex
At around 100,000 square foot, the new store in Crayford, Essex, will be the largest Sainsbury's store. It will also be the first supermarket to utilise geothermal environmental technology and a carbon saving system to heat the store with natural energy captured from deep underground.
Group Commercial Director for Sainsbury's, Mike Coupe, has commented on the Crayford store opening, saying:
As part of a nationwide drive to increase floor space, Sainsbury's is also opening new supermarkets in Wales and Scotland. A new 90,000 square foot store will be opened in Darnley (near Glasgow) and a 76,000 square foot supermarket will officially open its doors in Newport next week.
Crayford in Essex
At around 100,000 square foot, the new store in Crayford, Essex, will be the largest Sainsbury's store. It will also be the first supermarket to utilise geothermal environmental technology and a carbon saving system to heat the store with natural energy captured from deep underground.
Group Commercial Director for Sainsbury's, Mike Coupe, has commented on the Crayford store opening, saying:
"With Crayford we have worked hard to deliver an innovating, exciting store that has a number of new features, several of which are a first for Sainsbury's.
"The store will showcase not only Sainsbury's fantastic food offer but at the same time our expanding clothing, home and lifestyle ranges. My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming customers to the store."
As part of a nationwide drive to increase floor space, Sainsbury's is also opening new supermarkets in Wales and Scotland. A new 90,000 square foot store will be opened in Darnley (near Glasgow) and a 76,000 square foot supermarket will officially open its doors in Newport next week.
Good news for the food and packaging waste targets
The food jobs industry has undergone some huge changes in recent years. With different priorities, there are always new responsibilities for those in the food jobs industry to take on.
At the moment, one of the main concerns in the food jobs industry is that of reducing waste. So if you are entering the food industry you will notice that a lot of jobs are geared towards this and it seems to be working.
It has been revealed that Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's as well as other retailers and food manufacturers have reduced food and packaging waste by 1.2 million tons in the last five years.
It has been estimated that by this reduction in waste, we have saved £1.8bn and we have also avoided around 3.3 million tonnes in CO2 emissions.
Liz Goodwin, CEO at Waste & Resources Action Programme has said:
At the moment, one of the main concerns in the food jobs industry is that of reducing waste. So if you are entering the food industry you will notice that a lot of jobs are geared towards this and it seems to be working.
It has been revealed that Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's as well as other retailers and food manufacturers have reduced food and packaging waste by 1.2 million tons in the last five years.
It has been estimated that by this reduction in waste, we have saved £1.8bn and we have also avoided around 3.3 million tonnes in CO2 emissions.
Liz Goodwin, CEO at Waste & Resources Action Programme has said:
'We're especially pleased with the food waste reduction which is way beyond target. It shows how a collaborative approach between the grocery sector, consumers and local authorities can work to reduce waste and save people money. The evidence shows that more people are now aware that food waste is an issue, and are choosing to do something about it'
The value of interims...
In the food sector, Interim positions are increasing with opportunities appearing daily in the UK and internationally. Does this give any bearing to the economic performance of the food industry? Clearly some food manufacturers are still feeling the pinch - although as a whole, the industry is definitely seeing positive signs. Nevertheless, budgets are still tight and costs are still being cut to improve efficiencies on a business-wide scale. Whilst many may see this as a bad thing for the interim market - as companies may be looking to reduce staff and promote internally; others will recognise the positives that come from cost cutting - a desire for expertise. Many businesses in the food industry are looking for valuable interim professionals who have proven experience and success in lean manufacturing, cost reduction, six sigma, change management and any other management style or quality that can be associated with improving efficiencies.
What are your thoughts?
What are your thoughts?
Jamie Oliver project under threat in Rotherham
It was a project that Jamie Oliver was extremely proud of. Not only did the Ministry of Food in Rotherham teach people how to cook proper meals but it also provided food jobs to local people.
But now, all of that is under threat as spending cuts could hit the project which was brought in to promote healthy eating.
Jamie set up the Ministry during one of his Channel 4 series in 2008 and the aim of it was to teach locals how to cook good food on a tight budget. The project was supported by government funding but Jamie is now worried that this could be under threat.
The council has said that it's looking at other ways of funding the project but Jamie is shocked that the project is under any threat at all. He has pointed out that so far, 6,500 people have learned from the initiative and that it is helping people to overcome their issues with food.
The race is now on to find alternative ways to fund the Ministry of Food. But with the current government grants finishing in March, there isn't much time to save the project which has completely transformed the lives of people in Rotherham.
But now, all of that is under threat as spending cuts could hit the project which was brought in to promote healthy eating.
Jamie set up the Ministry during one of his Channel 4 series in 2008 and the aim of it was to teach locals how to cook good food on a tight budget. The project was supported by government funding but Jamie is now worried that this could be under threat.
The council has said that it's looking at other ways of funding the project but Jamie is shocked that the project is under any threat at all. He has pointed out that so far, 6,500 people have learned from the initiative and that it is helping people to overcome their issues with food.
The race is now on to find alternative ways to fund the Ministry of Food. But with the current government grants finishing in March, there isn't much time to save the project which has completely transformed the lives of people in Rotherham.
Food sector debate reveals manufacturers want clearer legislation
At a debate organised by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) has revealed that food manufacturers will need the government to make clear and long-term legislative changes in order for the industry to move forward.
The debate was staged in order to discuss the findings of a report by the IfM's Centre for Industry and Government, entitled 'Future Scenarios for the UK Food and Drink Industry'.
Hosted by Kraft (UK & Ireland) chief Nick Bunker - who is also the chair of FDF's Competitiveness Steering Group - the event was attended by business leaders such as Simon Baldry, CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, academics, and those in high-level manufacturing food jobs.
Speaking at the event, MR Bunker called on the government to show more leadership and improve legislation relating to food manufacturing. He said:
The debate was staged in order to discuss the findings of a report by the IfM's Centre for Industry and Government, entitled 'Future Scenarios for the UK Food and Drink Industry'.
Hosted by Kraft (UK & Ireland) chief Nick Bunker - who is also the chair of FDF's Competitiveness Steering Group - the event was attended by business leaders such as Simon Baldry, CEO of Coca-Cola Enterprises, academics, and those in high-level manufacturing food jobs.
Speaking at the event, MR Bunker called on the government to show more leadership and improve legislation relating to food manufacturing. He said:
"When you look at the challenges we face - from the health of the nation to the health of the planet - it's clear we can only respond effectively if we have a successful food manufacturing sector here in the UK."
"But our success cannot - and should not - be taken for granted. It's not a question of funding, it's much more about the stability and consistency of regulation. This is crucial if companies are encouraged to invest."
KFC plans to create 9,000 new UK food jobs in the next three years
Leading fast food chain KFC is reportedly planning to create up to 9,000 new food jobs throughout the UK, as part of a three year plan to open new outlets and grow the business. The first stage of the plan is happening in Workington, where a new branch of KFC is to be opened.
After identifying a demand for their services in the Cumbrian town, KFC has this week confirmed that they have already located a potential drive-through location for their new outlet in Workington. It has also been revealed that around 40 new food jobs will be created for local people.
After Workington, the main goal for KFC is to open up to 300 new outlets throughout the UK. This is expected to cost the company between £100 million and £150 million, but it will mean that the UK food and drink industry will benefit from over 9,000 new food jobs.
Managing Director at KFC UK & Ireland, Martin Shuker, had this to say about the company's plans:
After identifying a demand for their services in the Cumbrian town, KFC has this week confirmed that they have already located a potential drive-through location for their new outlet in Workington. It has also been revealed that around 40 new food jobs will be created for local people.
After Workington, the main goal for KFC is to open up to 300 new outlets throughout the UK. This is expected to cost the company between £100 million and £150 million, but it will mean that the UK food and drink industry will benefit from over 9,000 new food jobs.
Managing Director at KFC UK & Ireland, Martin Shuker, had this to say about the company's plans:
"There aren't many companies who can be so positive in this challenging environment so we are delighted to be able to announce this significant investment."
Nominees revealed for World Foods Awards 2010
The nominees for the World Foods Awards 2010, to be held in London's Park Lane Hilton hotel on Saturday 23rd, have now been officially announced.
The event is the second annual awards ceremony of its kind, designed to celebrate and promote the importance of authentic ethnic cuisine and accompanying food jobs within the UK's food and drink industry.
Notable nominees for each category are as follows:
• Restaurant of the Year - Umu, Zuma, Chef Colin Brown
• Asda Best New Product - Vita Coco coconut water, Samai Plantain Chips, Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Chilled Caribbean Ready Meals
• Best Marketing Campaign - Patak's 'Why Britain Loves Curry', Elephant Chakki Gold Atta '45 Years of Tradition Enjoyed Daily', Walkers Sensations 'Let Flavour Unfold'
• Best Catering Supplier - Euro Foods Group, JJ Food Service, Gandhi Oriental
• Humza Best National Retailer - Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda
Pataks is also set to receive a Lifetime Achievement award on the night itself.
Neeraj Arora, the executive vice president of Sony Entertainment Network - who is sponsoring the awards - has explained why the company is so excited about this year's event. He said:
The event is the second annual awards ceremony of its kind, designed to celebrate and promote the importance of authentic ethnic cuisine and accompanying food jobs within the UK's food and drink industry.
Notable nominees for each category are as follows:
• Restaurant of the Year - Umu, Zuma, Chef Colin Brown
• Asda Best New Product - Vita Coco coconut water, Samai Plantain Chips, Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Chilled Caribbean Ready Meals
• Best Marketing Campaign - Patak's 'Why Britain Loves Curry', Elephant Chakki Gold Atta '45 Years of Tradition Enjoyed Daily', Walkers Sensations 'Let Flavour Unfold'
• Best Catering Supplier - Euro Foods Group, JJ Food Service, Gandhi Oriental
• Humza Best National Retailer - Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda
Pataks is also set to receive a Lifetime Achievement award on the night itself.
Neeraj Arora, the executive vice president of Sony Entertainment Network - who is sponsoring the awards - has explained why the company is so excited about this year's event. He said:
"With a big name line up of nominees like Walkers, Pataks, Zuma, Vita Coco and Levi Roots, we hope to drive world food further into the mainstream and celebrate the people who have worked so hard to help it evolve into a thriving and compelling industry."
Food and drink industry reaches water efficiency targets
It has recently been revealed that the food and drink industry has made good on its pledge to improve water efficiency, achieving a 5.6 per cent reduction in usage since 2007.
This drop in water consumption - announced by the Federation House Commitment (FHC) initiative last week - puts the UK food sector well on its way to meeting its target of a 20 per cent improvement in water efficiency by 2020.
The FHC is a programme set up within the food industry to help improve water efficiency, to which 42 food and drink companies - including Mars UK, United Biscuits, Pataks and Walkers - have signed up to so far. The latest figures show that these companies have managed to save a combined total of cubic metres of water since the year 2007, the equivalent of 800 full Olympic-sized swimming pools.
This achievement is particularly commendable because food production has risen by 4.2 per cent in the same time period, a change that has also created a greater number of food jobs.
The food and drink industry is a major user of resources like water, so the progress shown in the FHC report is certainly good news for the environment. However, it has also been shown that reducing water usage makes good business sense for companies, in terms of saving money on water bills and demonstrating leadership and 'green' credentials to consumers.
This drop in water consumption - announced by the Federation House Commitment (FHC) initiative last week - puts the UK food sector well on its way to meeting its target of a 20 per cent improvement in water efficiency by 2020.
The FHC is a programme set up within the food industry to help improve water efficiency, to which 42 food and drink companies - including Mars UK, United Biscuits, Pataks and Walkers - have signed up to so far. The latest figures show that these companies have managed to save a combined total of cubic metres of water since the year 2007, the equivalent of 800 full Olympic-sized swimming pools.
This achievement is particularly commendable because food production has risen by 4.2 per cent in the same time period, a change that has also created a greater number of food jobs.
The food and drink industry is a major user of resources like water, so the progress shown in the FHC report is certainly good news for the environment. However, it has also been shown that reducing water usage makes good business sense for companies, in terms of saving money on water bills and demonstrating leadership and 'green' credentials to consumers.
Branston invests in talent to meet demand for specialist skills
Food production company Branston has invested both time and money into nurturing talent within the company, as the company's need for employees with specialist skills was not being met.
The company, which supplies potatoes to Tesco, currently employs 600 workers in food jobs. However, Branston's HR Director Simon Telfer revealed that the firm was having trouble recruiting new employees with the right specialist skills. He said:
Telfer identifies particular problem areas for recruitment, saying that Branston has trouble finding the right development engineers, process and IT network specialists and product development staff.
Telfer believes that the reason behind the skills shortage is an unprecedented demand for specialist skills within the food production industry, especially as there is now an increasing focus on food hygiene and safety within the sector.
To address the problem, Branston has taken the 'grow your own' approach to bridging the skills gap. Telfer says that the firm has been successful in its efforts to identify and develop talented staff at lower levels within the business, and that five out of sixteen 'apprentices' had now been promoted.
The company, which supplies potatoes to Tesco, currently employs 600 workers in food jobs. However, Branston's HR Director Simon Telfer revealed that the firm was having trouble recruiting new employees with the right specialist skills. He said:
"The challenge is not necessarily finding people but the right people with the right skills and experience. We find when we place an advert for a job, there is a huge response, but a lot of them don't meet the criteria,"
Telfer identifies particular problem areas for recruitment, saying that Branston has trouble finding the right development engineers, process and IT network specialists and product development staff.
Telfer believes that the reason behind the skills shortage is an unprecedented demand for specialist skills within the food production industry, especially as there is now an increasing focus on food hygiene and safety within the sector.
To address the problem, Branston has taken the 'grow your own' approach to bridging the skills gap. Telfer says that the firm has been successful in its efforts to identify and develop talented staff at lower levels within the business, and that five out of sixteen 'apprentices' had now been promoted.
Humber Seafood Institute launches food job apprenticeship programme
The Humber Seafood Institute (HSI), located at Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education, has launched a brand new apprenticeship programme for food job hopefuls. The aim of introducing the 20-week course is help address the skills gap in the industry previously identified by local employers.
Initially, the course will be run on a trial basis for 20 weeks. If successful, the HSI eventually plans to develop into a full apprenticeship programme lasting two or even three years.
The programme will be taught at the HIS's new, state-of-the-art centre at Europarc in Grimsby and will be accredited by the Sea Food Training Academy if turned into a full course. Successful applicants for the apprenticeship will be referred via Job Centre plus.
Apprentices will also get the chance to experience real food jobs, as the course promises them a number of work placements with local seafood merchants.
In order to fund their pilot programme, the HSI have called on the Change Programme. This is a government-backed initiative designed to get people who have been unemployed for a long time back into work, and what better starting point that the food industry?
Initially, the course will be run on a trial basis for 20 weeks. If successful, the HSI eventually plans to develop into a full apprenticeship programme lasting two or even three years.
The programme will be taught at the HIS's new, state-of-the-art centre at Europarc in Grimsby and will be accredited by the Sea Food Training Academy if turned into a full course. Successful applicants for the apprenticeship will be referred via Job Centre plus.
Apprentices will also get the chance to experience real food jobs, as the course promises them a number of work placements with local seafood merchants.
In order to fund their pilot programme, the HSI have called on the Change Programme. This is a government-backed initiative designed to get people who have been unemployed for a long time back into work, and what better starting point that the food industry?
Nisa-Today's first Scottish distribution centre to create 100 new food jobs
Nisa-Today has announced that the organisation is to open a brand new distribution centre in Livingstone in West Lothian. This new centre, Nisa-Today's first in Scotland, is expected to create up to 100 new food jobs for the area.
Nisa-Today - a symbol group for independent grocery retailers, working in a similar way to a co-operative - is planning to develop the new centre at a site on Dean's Industrial Estate. The project is expected to be complete and the centre open by November 2010.
Once operational, the new 195,000-square-foot Livingston depot will distribute products for sale, via DHL, across Scotland, as well as to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the North of England.
Speaking as the news was announced, a representative from Nisa-Today, John Sharpe, said:
Nisa-Today also has distribution centres in Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire, Harlow in Essex and Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire.
Nisa-Today - a symbol group for independent grocery retailers, working in a similar way to a co-operative - is planning to develop the new centre at a site on Dean's Industrial Estate. The project is expected to be complete and the centre open by November 2010.
Once operational, the new 195,000-square-foot Livingston depot will distribute products for sale, via DHL, across Scotland, as well as to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the North of England.
Speaking as the news was announced, a representative from Nisa-Today, John Sharpe, said:
"The depot has the necessary capacity for future growth and reduces our food miles by moving goods closer to our customers.
"As Livingston is located in between Glasgow and Edinburgh, there is a high level of skilled labour in the area, which will be extremely beneficial to our business."
Nisa-Today also has distribution centres in Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire, Harlow in Essex and Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire.
IGD survey shows European consumers want 'ethical' food
According to the latest research by food and grocery analyst IGD, the consumers of the future will be demanding food with ethical credentials.
Results
The IGD survey shows that almost half (49 per cent) of consumers are expecting to buy more ethical food in the future, with locally-sourced produce being a top priority for 35 per cent of all those asked. Also of concern are issues such as animal welfare (24 per cent), Fairtrade (24 per cent) and organic food (21 per cent).
IGD surveyed 2,700 shoppers from France, Great Britain, Germany and Spain throughout summer 2010. The following is the percentage of people who expect to buy produce on the basis of each ethical concern in the future:
Locally-sourced food
• Britain - 38 per cent
• France - 35 per cent
• Germany - 30 per cent
• Spain - 15 per cent
High animal welfare standards
• Britain - 28 per cent
• France - 30 per cent
• Germany - 8 per cent
• Spain - 10 per cent
Fairtrade products
• Britain - 31 per cent
• France - 24 per cent
• Germany - 10 per cent
• Spain - 7 per cent
Organic products
• Britain - 9 per cent
• France - 20 per cent
• Germany - 18 per cent
• Spain - 7 per cent
The CEO of IGD, Joanne Denney-Finch, commented on what the results of the survey mean for international food jobs, saying:
Results
The IGD survey shows that almost half (49 per cent) of consumers are expecting to buy more ethical food in the future, with locally-sourced produce being a top priority for 35 per cent of all those asked. Also of concern are issues such as animal welfare (24 per cent), Fairtrade (24 per cent) and organic food (21 per cent).
IGD surveyed 2,700 shoppers from France, Great Britain, Germany and Spain throughout summer 2010. The following is the percentage of people who expect to buy produce on the basis of each ethical concern in the future:
Locally-sourced food
• Britain - 38 per cent
• France - 35 per cent
• Germany - 30 per cent
• Spain - 15 per cent
High animal welfare standards
• Britain - 28 per cent
• France - 30 per cent
• Germany - 8 per cent
• Spain - 10 per cent
Fairtrade products
• Britain - 31 per cent
• France - 24 per cent
• Germany - 10 per cent
• Spain - 7 per cent
Organic products
• Britain - 9 per cent
• France - 20 per cent
• Germany - 18 per cent
• Spain - 7 per cent
The CEO of IGD, Joanne Denney-Finch, commented on what the results of the survey mean for international food jobs, saying:
"The good news is that shoppers expect to buy more across all categories of ethical food and drink products in the future. For grocery businesses across Europe this presents a big challenge and a huge opportunity."
Is the 'regional taste' of food being threatened by processed products?
The National Trust has employed a panel of 'taste experts' to identify the 'regional flavours' of food, which they say is in danger because of the increasing market for processed products.
The panel - made up of sommelier Oz Clarke, top chef Brian Turner, perfumer Angela Flanders and chocolatier Wille Harcourt Cooze - identified the following 'endangered regional tastes' in England and Wales.
• Yorkshire and the North East - Earthy but sweet; the panel said that the food is 'good honest fare'
• South East - Vivid and fresh
• Midlands - Gamy and proud
• South West - Cream and honey, with the regional essence identified as 'high summer'
• North West - Savoury and lingering, meaty and traditional
• Wales - Green and wild, primal and pure
• Northern Ireland - Assertive and robust
• East of England - Mellow fruitfulness, with a regional essence of 'vibrant sweet earthiness'.
Longtime champions of locally produced food, the National Trust has compiled this list to make a serious point about the effect processed food is having on these regional flavours.
Sommelier and taste panellist Oz Clarke said:
The panel - made up of sommelier Oz Clarke, top chef Brian Turner, perfumer Angela Flanders and chocolatier Wille Harcourt Cooze - identified the following 'endangered regional tastes' in England and Wales.
• Yorkshire and the North East - Earthy but sweet; the panel said that the food is 'good honest fare'
• South East - Vivid and fresh
• Midlands - Gamy and proud
• South West - Cream and honey, with the regional essence identified as 'high summer'
• North West - Savoury and lingering, meaty and traditional
• Wales - Green and wild, primal and pure
• Northern Ireland - Assertive and robust
• East of England - Mellow fruitfulness, with a regional essence of 'vibrant sweet earthiness'.
Longtime champions of locally produced food, the National Trust has compiled this list to make a serious point about the effect processed food is having on these regional flavours.
Sommelier and taste panellist Oz Clarke said:
"Our diets have become filled with homogenous high-salt and additive filled meals, which means we need to relearn the way we eat - and taste - if we are to save some of our nation's distinct flavours,"
Welsh food distribution methods dubbed 'unsustainable'
According to Wales Online, food produced in Wales must travel potentially hundreds of miles to a distribution centre before it reaches the shops, even if where it is made and where it is sold are a couple of miles apart.
In a report on the sustainability of Wales' food distribution systems, the newspaper used the example of organic yoghurts produced at Rachel's Dairy in Aberystwyth.
The yoghurts are loaded onto a lorry and then driven to a distribution centre 70 miles away in Oswestry, which is across the Wales/England border in the county of Shropshire. Some of these yoghurts will be picked up by supermarkets and driven all the way back again to be sold in shops in Aberystwyth. This is a round trip totalling around 130 miles.
Whilst supermarkets and those in production food jobs claim that transporting goods by road is efficient, food policy professor - expert in what is now being termed 'food miles - Tim Lang disagrees. He says:
In a report on the sustainability of Wales' food distribution systems, the newspaper used the example of organic yoghurts produced at Rachel's Dairy in Aberystwyth.
The yoghurts are loaded onto a lorry and then driven to a distribution centre 70 miles away in Oswestry, which is across the Wales/England border in the county of Shropshire. Some of these yoghurts will be picked up by supermarkets and driven all the way back again to be sold in shops in Aberystwyth. This is a round trip totalling around 130 miles.
Whilst supermarkets and those in production food jobs claim that transporting goods by road is efficient, food policy professor - expert in what is now being termed 'food miles - Tim Lang disagrees. He says:
"The food industry accounts for a quarter of all wagons on British roads, and half are empty."
"Is it sensible? Is it sustainable? No and no.
"It is bad for the environment, crazy in terms of economics, bad for climate change and terrible for culture and everyday life."
Food industry buys more robotic equipment than car sector - what does this mean for food jobs?
According to the latest industry figures from the British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA), the UK food and drink industry bought more automated and robotic equipment in the second quarter of 2010 than the car sector.
The surprising statistics show that the food industry was the second biggest purchaser of robotic equipment in the UK, buying 17 per cent of the total purchased in the second quarter of this year. The pharmaceutical sector topped the list, accounting for 19 per cent of sales.
BARA president Mike Wilson commented on the findings, saying:
What does this mean for UK food jobs?
Whilst some in the industry may worry that the automated equipment may be replacing employees in food jobs, the data indicates that the robotic technology is not being used at the manufacturing stages of food production. The BARA figure shows that it is instead being used as packing, handling and palletising equipment, to assist food job workers rather than replace them.
The surprising statistics show that the food industry was the second biggest purchaser of robotic equipment in the UK, buying 17 per cent of the total purchased in the second quarter of this year. The pharmaceutical sector topped the list, accounting for 19 per cent of sales.
BARA president Mike Wilson commented on the findings, saying:
"Sales to food and drink companies have grown by 172% since 2006 and it is now a major sector for robot applications in the UK. We expect growth to continue through the rest of the year, as more UK food and drink manufacturers seek to close the productivity gap with their European competitors."
What does this mean for UK food jobs?
Whilst some in the industry may worry that the automated equipment may be replacing employees in food jobs, the data indicates that the robotic technology is not being used at the manufacturing stages of food production. The BARA figure shows that it is instead being used as packing, handling and palletising equipment, to assist food job workers rather than replace them.
Waitrose to create food jobs in the North West: Manchester and Knutsford are first
As part of plans to create up to 30 new convenience stores throughout the North West, upmarket food supermarket Waitrose is starting with Manchester city centre and Knutsford in Cheshire. Waitrose, more commonly associated with London and the South than anywhere else, has pledged to create more than 100 new food jobs at these new northern stores.
Spinningfields, Manchester
Waitrose - who have already opened stores in Cheadle Hulme and Wilmslow - have confirmed that a new convenience-sized store will be opening on Bridge Street in Manchester city centre, near to up-and-coming area Spinningfields. The new store will create a total of 40 new food jobs, with recruitment starting as soon as possible.
Waitrose representative Jon Arnold said:
Knutsford, Cheshire
Over in Knutsford, Waitrose is planning to create approximately 65 new food jobs with a new store on Princess Street. The multi-million pound plans to transform a former Travelbag and Blockbusters store on Princess Street into the new supermarket will commence this October. The store is expected to open its doors by spring 2011.
Spinningfields, Manchester
Waitrose - who have already opened stores in Cheadle Hulme and Wilmslow - have confirmed that a new convenience-sized store will be opening on Bridge Street in Manchester city centre, near to up-and-coming area Spinningfields. The new store will create a total of 40 new food jobs, with recruitment starting as soon as possible.
Waitrose representative Jon Arnold said:
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring the Waitrose brand to central Manchester for the first time and to be part of the growing investment the city consistently attracts."
Knutsford, Cheshire
Over in Knutsford, Waitrose is planning to create approximately 65 new food jobs with a new store on Princess Street. The multi-million pound plans to transform a former Travelbag and Blockbusters store on Princess Street into the new supermarket will commence this October. The store is expected to open its doors by spring 2011.
Meet Marcus Collins: McDonald's 1,000th promising apprentice
In the midst of the recession, when thousands of people were being made redundant due to budget cutbacks, McDonald's was busy creating new opportunities for employees. With a strong focus on individual employee development and progression, the fast food corporation is changing the perception of its food jobs as dead-end 'McJobs'.
A key example of this is Marcus Collins, who has just been named the 1,000th apprentice at McDonalds after only working at a St Albans branch of the company for six months.
Collins, 24, who was previously made redundant from a position at a Mayfair, has now been awarded an Apprenticeship in Hospitality from McDonalds. He is currently working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Shift Management, hoping to go on to become a franchisee owning his own business.
Describing what first attracted him to a food job at McDonald's, Collins has said:
A key example of this is Marcus Collins, who has just been named the 1,000th apprentice at McDonalds after only working at a St Albans branch of the company for six months.
Collins, 24, who was previously made redundant from a position at a Mayfair, has now been awarded an Apprenticeship in Hospitality from McDonalds. He is currently working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Shift Management, hoping to go on to become a franchisee owning his own business.
Describing what first attracted him to a food job at McDonald's, Collins has said:
"After I was made redundant, McDonald's stood out because it was totally different from my office based job and it seemed that all employees had the chance to progress as far as they wanted to.
"I now recommend the Apprenticeship scheme to everyone. The training requires hard work and dedication, but I received a lot of support from my team and completing the programme has given me a great sense of achievement, as well as opportunities to develop further within the company or elsewhere."
Speaking a language could be the key...
Recent studies have shown that many employers desire candidates that speak a second language. This skill comes a close second to IT skills, which hits the top spot - unsurprisingly.
Whilst most if not all students will study a language throughout high school, many choose not to take this further into A Levels and even further into a degree (or part of a degree). Many courses offer an international 'version', which includes modules in languages from French to Japanese and Spanish to Chinese.
The benefits of having a second language are obvious - and are clearly a key quality if you are applying to work internationally or to work in a company that has offices or customers in a particular country.
From a food industry perspective, most employers have ties with suppliers in all continents of the world, with many having international offices too. Speaking a language could be the foot-in-the-door for some candidates wishing to enter the food industry. It is, however, not the be-all and end-all - many factors are considered in a job application including experience, personality, ability, education, character plus many more - if you don't have a language and don't intend to learn one, it doesn't mean you wont get a job!
But what if you don't speak a second language, want to learn one and have already graduated? Don't worry - there is avenue after avenue of facilities available for people to learn a language.
Are you a graduate who studied a language at degree level - what benefits has it brought to your employment?
Whilst most if not all students will study a language throughout high school, many choose not to take this further into A Levels and even further into a degree (or part of a degree). Many courses offer an international 'version', which includes modules in languages from French to Japanese and Spanish to Chinese.
The benefits of having a second language are obvious - and are clearly a key quality if you are applying to work internationally or to work in a company that has offices or customers in a particular country.
From a food industry perspective, most employers have ties with suppliers in all continents of the world, with many having international offices too. Speaking a language could be the foot-in-the-door for some candidates wishing to enter the food industry. It is, however, not the be-all and end-all - many factors are considered in a job application including experience, personality, ability, education, character plus many more - if you don't have a language and don't intend to learn one, it doesn't mean you wont get a job!
But what if you don't speak a second language, want to learn one and have already graduated? Don't worry - there is avenue after avenue of facilities available for people to learn a language.
Are you a graduate who studied a language at degree level - what benefits has it brought to your employment?
Traditional Universities vs. Mets, Polys, Trents...
In employment today, there is often a bias towards hiring graduates from traditional universities as opposed to newer universities - the traditional Universities being the 'University of...' and the newer universities being the Metropolitans and Polytechnics.
The reasoning behind this is often linked with how established traditional universities are, as they have in most cases been established for decades, if not centuries.
What many fail to realise is that newer universities have on many occasions been teaching professional and academic courses for many years before being awarded a university accreditation, and that they are just as capable of producing graduates of a high calibre with high business acumen.
From a recruiter perspective, we have yet to see any graduate employer whose desired candidates solely from 'traditional' universities - some employers may be interested to look at specific universities, but this is due to it's specialism or excellence in particular courses and not the time it has spent as a university.
Many have noted the lack of fresh graduates entering into the food and drink manufacturing industry, and many have also discussed the reasons for this. Whilst we do not see our Clients to fall into this group of employers who show bias towards traditional universities, we wonder if other employers in the food and drink industry do?
What are your thoughts? Have you come across issue when looking for employment?
The reasoning behind this is often linked with how established traditional universities are, as they have in most cases been established for decades, if not centuries.
What many fail to realise is that newer universities have on many occasions been teaching professional and academic courses for many years before being awarded a university accreditation, and that they are just as capable of producing graduates of a high calibre with high business acumen.
From a recruiter perspective, we have yet to see any graduate employer whose desired candidates solely from 'traditional' universities - some employers may be interested to look at specific universities, but this is due to it's specialism or excellence in particular courses and not the time it has spent as a university.
Many have noted the lack of fresh graduates entering into the food and drink manufacturing industry, and many have also discussed the reasons for this. Whilst we do not see our Clients to fall into this group of employers who show bias towards traditional universities, we wonder if other employers in the food and drink industry do?
What are your thoughts? Have you come across issue when looking for employment?
Study shows Northern Ireland meat industry needs to cut costs
According to a recent study, Northern Ireland's meat industry must start to cut costs and boost exports over the next ten years in order to ensure long-term growth.
The research - commissioned by the Livestock and Meat Commission and Invest NI - was conducted by French consultancy firm GIRA, who are also experts in the global meat industry. Their researchers looked at all aspects of the £1.5 billion meat industry in Northern Ireland, such as:
• Threats facing the industry
• Competition from other countries
• The impact of changing consumer trends (i.e. an increased focus on animal welfare and sustainability)
• Cost-efficiency
The managing director of Invest NI, Ian Murphy, explained what this study means for Northern Ireland's food and drink sector. He said:
Northern Ireland's meat industry is currently worth around £1.5 billion - contributing half of the total £3 billion the food processing as a whole earns per year - and employs 9,000 people in food jobs.
The research - commissioned by the Livestock and Meat Commission and Invest NI - was conducted by French consultancy firm GIRA, who are also experts in the global meat industry. Their researchers looked at all aspects of the £1.5 billion meat industry in Northern Ireland, such as:
• Threats facing the industry
• Competition from other countries
• The impact of changing consumer trends (i.e. an increased focus on animal welfare and sustainability)
• Cost-efficiency
The managing director of Invest NI, Ian Murphy, explained what this study means for Northern Ireland's food and drink sector. He said:
"This is one of the most significant documents that we have produced because meat processing is vitally important here in terms of the scale of its contribution to the local economy, especially rural communities, in areas such as exports, new product development and, of course, employment."
Northern Ireland's meat industry is currently worth around £1.5 billion - contributing half of the total £3 billion the food processing as a whole earns per year - and employs 9,000 people in food jobs.
North West food and drink sector training to get a revamp
Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, has this week announced that government funding has been secured for a new training programme aimed at getting school leavers into food jobs.
Called the Food and Drink Sector Routeway Training Programme, the new scheme will be funded by the government-run Young Person's Guarantee, and run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP already offers training and job opportunities to out-of-work young people aged 18 to 24.
As part of the new programme, Improve has issued an invitation to local employers in the North West to join a steering group. As well as helping to develop the programme, participating employers will help to ensure that training for young people is continually relevant to the needs of the fast-changing food and drink industry.
The director of skills solutions at Improve, Justine Fosh, commented on the new programme, saying:
Called the Food and Drink Sector Routeway Training Programme, the new scheme will be funded by the government-run Young Person's Guarantee, and run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP already offers training and job opportunities to out-of-work young people aged 18 to 24.
As part of the new programme, Improve has issued an invitation to local employers in the North West to join a steering group. As well as helping to develop the programme, participating employers will help to ensure that training for young people is continually relevant to the needs of the fast-changing food and drink industry.
The director of skills solutions at Improve, Justine Fosh, commented on the new programme, saying:
"Food and drink is one industry where there are still plenty of employment opportunities, especially for young people. The industry needs more young people coming into it because its workforce is ageing and we are anticipating a high demand for new recruits to replace those who retire or otherwise leave the industry over the coming years - something in the region 15,000 job places in the North West alone by 2017."
Fruitapeel turns around Welsh SunJuice factory; food jobs to be reinstated
Just months after acquiring failed fruit juice factory SunJuice in South Wales, Fruitapeel has managed to increase turnover at the facility and reinstate a number of food jobs.
Fruit juice and sauces company Fruitapeel acquired the Llantrisant factory six months ago, after the former owners Sunjuice went into administration. In just a short amount of time, Fruitapeel managed to land a lucrative contract supplying Iceland's 500 UK outlets with approximately 14 million litres of juice per year.
The company now expects turnover at the factory to exceed £12m in 2010. Managing director of Fruitapeel, Terry Haigh, has given his explanation for the increase in turnover, saying:
Expansion plans and new food jobs
The growing demand for fruit juice and the success of the Llantrisant facility has meant that Fruitapeel have not only been able to reinstate nearly half of the 100 jobs lost after the Sunjuice factory collapsed. The company is also planning to create 12 new food jobs ahead of a new product launch for Iceland, a children's produce called Funjuice.
Fruit juice and sauces company Fruitapeel acquired the Llantrisant factory six months ago, after the former owners Sunjuice went into administration. In just a short amount of time, Fruitapeel managed to land a lucrative contract supplying Iceland's 500 UK outlets with approximately 14 million litres of juice per year.
The company now expects turnover at the factory to exceed £12m in 2010. Managing director of Fruitapeel, Terry Haigh, has given his explanation for the increase in turnover, saying:
"With the demise of SunJuice, suppliers here shrank. 15m litres of juice production has gone out of the UK and into EU suppliers. We are coming back into a marketplace that needed another home producer."
Expansion plans and new food jobs
The growing demand for fruit juice and the success of the Llantrisant facility has meant that Fruitapeel have not only been able to reinstate nearly half of the 100 jobs lost after the Sunjuice factory collapsed. The company is also planning to create 12 new food jobs ahead of a new product launch for Iceland, a children's produce called Funjuice.
Developers battle over new Tesco site in Corby
The residents of Corby in Northamptonshire are soon to benefit from a new, multi-million pound Tesco superstore, as soon as battling developers can decide where it should be located.
It is understood that one developer and the owner of Corby town centre, Land Securities, is planning to create numerous new food jobs by opening a new supermarket on Elizabeth Street. This project will encompass 775 parking spaces and will be built on the site of Crown House in the town centre.
Meanwhile, Greatline Developments are also reportedly planning to develop a new superstore on their St James industrial estate - located just off Oakley road - which will also include a petrol station and a garden centre.
Tesco is apparently in talks with both developers, in order to build a new Tesco Extra superstore in Corby.
Corby Borough Council is currently preparing proposals to be published in December 2010, using a feasibility study to work out which location and which developer will be the most suitable for Corby.
Revealing that either project will create a number of new food job opportunities in Corby, council leader Pat Fawcett has said:
It is understood that one developer and the owner of Corby town centre, Land Securities, is planning to create numerous new food jobs by opening a new supermarket on Elizabeth Street. This project will encompass 775 parking spaces and will be built on the site of Crown House in the town centre.
Meanwhile, Greatline Developments are also reportedly planning to develop a new superstore on their St James industrial estate - located just off Oakley road - which will also include a petrol station and a garden centre.
Tesco is apparently in talks with both developers, in order to build a new Tesco Extra superstore in Corby.
Corby Borough Council is currently preparing proposals to be published in December 2010, using a feasibility study to work out which location and which developer will be the most suitable for Corby.
Revealing that either project will create a number of new food job opportunities in Corby, council leader Pat Fawcett has said:
"In this economic climate it is extraordinary that we should be in the position of having two major developments in the pipeline but it has been our policy to forge ahead with regeneration and not to call everything to a halt because of the recession."
Morrisons plans online business strategy
One of the UK's largest supermarket chains, Morrisons, is planning to join established rivals Tesco and Asda in the internet food shopping market by launching a new online grocery store.
In his first major presentation for the company, Morrisons new CEO Dalton Philips announced his intention to seize opportunities available in the online market and grow the business. His full plans will be revealed on Thursday (9th September).
Philips' first actions after taking over from former CEO Marc Bolland included recruiting Richard Hodgson from Waitrose as the new commercial director for the company. In addition to expanding into the online market, Philips' is expected to announce development in Morrisons' small stores and in its non-food offering. Experts have also suggested that Morrisons may add to their food processing and food manufacturing portfolio.
Tesco currently dominates the £5 billion online grocery market, with Asda coming a close second. Morrisons will join both Sainsbury's and Waitrose, who also offer grocery delivery services, although industry experts claim the online market has not yet reached profitability. The warning from those in market analysis food jobs, however, is that those supermarkets who fail to compete in the online arena may start to lose customers.
In his first major presentation for the company, Morrisons new CEO Dalton Philips announced his intention to seize opportunities available in the online market and grow the business. His full plans will be revealed on Thursday (9th September).
Philips' first actions after taking over from former CEO Marc Bolland included recruiting Richard Hodgson from Waitrose as the new commercial director for the company. In addition to expanding into the online market, Philips' is expected to announce development in Morrisons' small stores and in its non-food offering. Experts have also suggested that Morrisons may add to their food processing and food manufacturing portfolio.
Tesco currently dominates the £5 billion online grocery market, with Asda coming a close second. Morrisons will join both Sainsbury's and Waitrose, who also offer grocery delivery services, although industry experts claim the online market has not yet reached profitability. The warning from those in market analysis food jobs, however, is that those supermarkets who fail to compete in the online arena may start to lose customers.
Wetherspoon to create 1,000 food jobs for school leavers
J.D Wetherspoon has this week announced plans to create around 1,000 new food jobs for school leavers.
The national pub chain has over 780 outlets throughout the UK, and school leavers aged 16 and 17 will be hired to work in them as part of the company's plans to expand food job opportunities for young people.
Wetherspoon has said that the new positions will not involve bar work, but food and hot beverage service as well as kitchen work.
The most attractive aspect of the plan for school graduates is that they will have the opportunity to study for qualifications that will help them to progress in the food industry whilst also earning money. The young employees will be encouraged to work towards NVQs, and a professional diploma and honours qualification should they reach management level.
The chain, which already employs approximately 200 young people in food jobs throughout the UK, is planning to create the new positions within a year, and has pledged to pay the new employees more than minimum wage.
Head of personnel and training at J.D. Wetherspoon, Mandy Ferries, has summed up how this new scheme will benefit school leavers, saying:
The national pub chain has over 780 outlets throughout the UK, and school leavers aged 16 and 17 will be hired to work in them as part of the company's plans to expand food job opportunities for young people.
Wetherspoon has said that the new positions will not involve bar work, but food and hot beverage service as well as kitchen work.
The most attractive aspect of the plan for school graduates is that they will have the opportunity to study for qualifications that will help them to progress in the food industry whilst also earning money. The young employees will be encouraged to work towards NVQs, and a professional diploma and honours qualification should they reach management level.
The chain, which already employs approximately 200 young people in food jobs throughout the UK, is planning to create the new positions within a year, and has pledged to pay the new employees more than minimum wage.
Head of personnel and training at J.D. Wetherspoon, Mandy Ferries, has summed up how this new scheme will benefit school leavers, saying:
"We can offer them the chance to study as part of their work as well as progress within the company."
FDA considers selling GM salmon as food
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to hold a meeting over a highly contentious issue this month - whether genetically engineered salmon should be the first animal of its kind to be sold as food.
The results of this consultation will have a significant impact on the food industries of both the UK and the US, as well as for those in food jobs at every stage of the food manufacturing process.
The Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee will convene for the FDA meeting - scheduled to take place on September 19th - 20th 2010 - to review current scientific data and compile recommendations on whether GM salmon is fit for the dinner table. The FDA will also hold a public consultation on the issue on September 21st, which will be crucial to whether plans go ahead.
AquaBounty Technologies Inc
The salmon in question is developed by Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies Inc, who claims that the salmon is able to avoid the disease and pollution commonly associated with salmon raised in fish farms, and can also grow to market size and weight twice as fast.
Opposition
Food safety experts and consumer rights advocates are against the idea of selling GM salmon as food as the side effects of eating the fish are still unknown, and there is no evidence to show that it is safe.
The results of this consultation will have a significant impact on the food industries of both the UK and the US, as well as for those in food jobs at every stage of the food manufacturing process.
The Veterinary Medicine Advisory Committee will convene for the FDA meeting - scheduled to take place on September 19th - 20th 2010 - to review current scientific data and compile recommendations on whether GM salmon is fit for the dinner table. The FDA will also hold a public consultation on the issue on September 21st, which will be crucial to whether plans go ahead.
AquaBounty Technologies Inc
The salmon in question is developed by Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies Inc, who claims that the salmon is able to avoid the disease and pollution commonly associated with salmon raised in fish farms, and can also grow to market size and weight twice as fast.
Opposition
Food safety experts and consumer rights advocates are against the idea of selling GM salmon as food as the side effects of eating the fish are still unknown, and there is no evidence to show that it is safe.
The food industry is ageist...
Yes, that's right, the food and drink sector is absolutely 100% ageist! Or to be correct ageing. Over 25% of management in the Food and Drink industry retires in the next five years and the talent required to plug these gaps is just not coming through. Why is this so? Do people not recognise the food industry as having great future prospects and career opportunities?
To add to this, the number of new entrants onto food related degree courses continues to cause concern as the pipeline for new graduates and talent is disappearing. Not everyone can go into media studies!
To add to this, the number of new entrants onto food related degree courses continues to cause concern as the pipeline for new graduates and talent is disappearing. Not everyone can go into media studies!
Is ability testing fair?
More and more clients are expecting higher and higher ability test scores as their belief in qualifications diminishes. But is this really a fair measure? It seems from our experience that if you practice testing, you get better at it. Online and paper testing seem to give differing scores, and I suppose the question that needs to be asked is what are clients looking for? Are they looking for a standard that is the norm in an organisation, or a wish list? Our view is that these tests do display useful information and highlight areas of importance, and indeed a 2:1 degree is no longer an indicator in isolation of intellect... but is there a better way?
Social Media: Good or Bad for Food Recruitment?
At Focus Management Consultants we have embraced Social Media and have certainly seen positive results. But equally we tread carefully into this new mass of activity and initiatives.
Indeed we have some clients who ban facebook pages for their company and many are cautious of the bad press and comment that might come their way from disgruntled employees past and present. However the more enlightened view seems to be that it's happening anyway ... so get on with it, accept that not everyone will be your biggest fan, and when criticised you have a chance to respond.
It is also interesting to see the legality of Social Media sites. Should you check facebook and make recruitment decisions, or indeed discipline someone who had a Monday off and had written they had been on the town all weekend? The point is, we have to accept we are not 'hidden' anymore; we can all be found - yes we can all find out which street we all live on and with whom. So maybe we need to accept it and realise this is a key piece of the modern business world.
Indeed we have some clients who ban facebook pages for their company and many are cautious of the bad press and comment that might come their way from disgruntled employees past and present. However the more enlightened view seems to be that it's happening anyway ... so get on with it, accept that not everyone will be your biggest fan, and when criticised you have a chance to respond.
It is also interesting to see the legality of Social Media sites. Should you check facebook and make recruitment decisions, or indeed discipline someone who had a Monday off and had written they had been on the town all weekend? The point is, we have to accept we are not 'hidden' anymore; we can all be found - yes we can all find out which street we all live on and with whom. So maybe we need to accept it and realise this is a key piece of the modern business world.
South Tyneside food job prospects receive £200,000 boost
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) has awarded a £200,000 grant to a burgeoning South Tyneside business, as part of a wider, £1 million project expected to create numerous new food jobs.
The RDPE has awarded the cash to family pork butchers MI Dickson Ltd., in order that the owners may extend their South Shields bakery enterprise. Five new food jobs will be created as a result of the investment, whilst a further 14 will be safeguarded.
MI Dickson Ltd will also be able to use the money in a number of areas to improve the business, including:
• Creating more space
• Reducing congestion
• Improving workflow
• Improving the general working environment for staff
• Reducing double handling
Managing director Michael Dickson has explained how the funding will enable him to diversify the business in order to respond to changing consumer buying and eating habits. He also said:
The RDPE has awarded the cash to family pork butchers MI Dickson Ltd., in order that the owners may extend their South Shields bakery enterprise. Five new food jobs will be created as a result of the investment, whilst a further 14 will be safeguarded.
MI Dickson Ltd will also be able to use the money in a number of areas to improve the business, including:
• Creating more space
• Reducing congestion
• Improving workflow
• Improving the general working environment for staff
• Reducing double handling
Managing director Michael Dickson has explained how the funding will enable him to diversify the business in order to respond to changing consumer buying and eating habits. He also said:
"Our aim is to increase the market share through further expansion of our wholesale business by exploiting our proven credentials for quality, heritage and local food. We are grateful for the support from the RDPE programme to help us achieve our aims."
Asda plans to double food jobs if Netto takeover is approved
Following the announcement in May 2010 that Asda is to buy Netto's UK operations in a deal reported to be worth around £778, the company is now awaiting approval from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in order to go ahead with the takeover.
Whilst waiting for OFT approval to take over all 193 Netto stores- expected to be delivered by the end of September - Asda has already submitted planning applications for the conversion of several of Netto's outlets into smaller Asda stores.
Asda is currently missing out on the 'small stores' market, only having around 10 to 15 smaller supermarkets in the UK. The company is hoping to significantly expand into this market.
Speaking of the deal, an Asda spokesperson has explained the company's goals for the new small stores, if OFT approval comes through. First on the agenda is the creation of new food jobs:
Whilst waiting for OFT approval to take over all 193 Netto stores- expected to be delivered by the end of September - Asda has already submitted planning applications for the conversion of several of Netto's outlets into smaller Asda stores.
Asda is currently missing out on the 'small stores' market, only having around 10 to 15 smaller supermarkets in the UK. The company is hoping to significantly expand into this market.
Speaking of the deal, an Asda spokesperson has explained the company's goals for the new small stores, if OFT approval comes through. First on the agenda is the creation of new food jobs:
"What I can say is that at a store level, we have a good track record of growing the number of colleagues (staff) in smaller stores we have already acquired from the Co-op and we see no reason why that wouldn't be the case in this instance.
"We anticipate we'll create up to twice as many jobs in each store converted to an Asda."
