Directors’ Weekly News – 18th December 2017

SAVE THE DATE: FOB AGM and CONFERENCE 23rd MAY 2018

 

Scottish Government Budget: The Scottish has published their Draft Budget for 2018-19. Interesting to note:

  • Significantly changed Scottish income taxes, with new tax bands and higher rates for those earning more than £24k
  • Consult and work towards delivering a deposit return system to improve the recycling of plastic bottles and other drinks containers
  • Progress measures to limit the marketing of products high in fat, sugar and salt, through their Diet and Obesity Strategy

 

The Health Survey for England 2016 (HSE) have now been published.  The survey monitors trends in the nation’s health, including overweight, obesity, alcohol consumption and physical activity levels.The main findings state that adult obesity has remained roughly static since 2010. There have been no major changes in childhood obesity prevalence.

 

Following FDF’s invitation to attend the Home Office Employers Representative Group, we have been provided with the following on the agreement between the EU and the UK on citizens’ rights.

We are hoping to receive a further update from the Home Office before the end of the week. We will circulate this as soon as we receive this.

Please feel free to circulate this more widely within your organisation

 

National Salt Awareness Week will take place from 12-18th March 2018. It will highlight the importance of everyone reducing their salt intake. CASH will be holding a House of Commons Reception on Wednesday 14th March from 1-3pm. Invitations and further details will be sent out in due course.

If you would like to pre-order CASH resources for the week, please visit CASH website.

 

FDF Graduate Excellence Placements for 2nd year MEng Food Engineers: FDF are currently looking to secure the final few offers of placements for our 2nd year Mechanical Engineering Food Engineering students from Sheffield Hallam university. Ensuring that every student in the program has the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working in the industry is an important part of their growth so your continuing support is vital.  In addition, offering an industrial placement for a food engineering student gives you the chance to benefit from the skills they have to offer and to identify the future talent for your business.  Please contact Liz Berry with any potential opportunities or if you have further questions about the program.

 

How should boards approach the great strategic challenge of climate change?

 

The question is no longer if we will move towards a low carbon economy, it is when and how? And importantly, how much warming will be locked-in during this transition?

Read more

 

 
 

 

 
FDF Events
December 2017

 

Dear Gordon,

Welcome to the December issue of the events newsletter. We have now closed our programme of events for 2017! Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s trainings, webinars, receptions and dinners, it has been a great year!

We wish you all a great Christmas break and look forward to seeing you at FDF events in the new year.

Best wishes,
FDF Events team

Food and Drink Federation, awarded Best Trade Organisation by Food Management Today

FDF at Food & Drink Expo – Find us on Stand B181

Food & Drink Expo is returning to the NEC 16th – 18th April 2018. Come along to the only trade show that provides a 360-degree view of the latest trends, most exciting suppliers and stand after stand of amazing products. Plus, you’ll hear industry insights from experts who understand what drives food and drink through the extensive live events programme. Your FREE entry badge will also provide access to four other UK food shows under the same roof, Farm Shop & Deli Show, National Convenience Show, Foodex and, new for 2018, The Ingredients Show.

Find out more at foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk.

Last chance for our early bird offer on our FDF Dinner!

Our annual networking event is back next Spring! Join us to celebrate our wonderful food and drink sector, and book now to take advantage of our special early bird rate! The Food and Drink Industry Dinner gives you the chance to catch up with colleagues and clients. Attended by around 500 guests, it attracts the best known global brands and the UK’s most ambitious, successful SMEs. Our special guest speaker will be confirmed soon.

 

Food and Drink Industry Dinner, 27 March 2018, London Hilton Park Lane.

Our Early-Bird rate is available until 31 Dec 2017

Secure your places now »

Safeguard your business from cyber attacks

Threats come from many directions, some are malicious and could damage your products, profitability and reputation whilst others could steal your data. Is your business prepared for a cyber-attack?

Join FDF for this one-day event on cyber security and the steps you can take to protect your business!
More information, speakers and agenda to be announced.

Cyber Security: Protecting Your Business, 22nd February 2018, 10 Bloomsbury Way, London

FDF Member £200, Non-Member £250 (All prices exclude VAT).

Register now »

Back by popular demand: GSCOP Training

The Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP) was implemented by the UK Government to encourage major UK supermarkets to treat suppliers fairly. The aim of this course is to build your understanding of the code, keep you up-to- date with its implications and recognise how it can make a difference to your trade negotiations.

Who should attend?

  • Commercial and Sales Directors
  • Key Account Managers
  • Regulatory and support staff involved in trading with retailers
  • All direct suppliers, whether of branded, private label or fresh products, irrespective of size

GSCOP Training, 7th February 2018, 10 Bloomsbury Way, London

£500+VAT including lunch, refreshments and materials.

Register now »

Spotlight on Social Media Training

After holding a session in Edinburgh with FDF Scotland, our partner LUX, The Food & Drink Agency will hold this immersive half-day training workshop designed to explore current trends and topics impacting the social media space. Designed specifically for food and drink businesses, the training session aims to empower attendees, enabling them to return to their organisations with an up-to-date understanding of social media and the opportunities it presents.

Spotlight on Social Media, 6th Feb 2018, 9am to 2pm, 10 Bloomsbury Way, London

Register now »

FDF Awards still open for entries!

After the resounding success of our 2017 event, which saw a record-breaking number of entries and a sold-out ceremony in September, make sure you enter next year’s Awards to get the recognition you deserve! Completely free to enter, you have until 21st February 2018 to submit your applications online. Further details about each category, key timings and previous winners’ case studies can be found on our website:

Enter now »

Our programme of events for 2018

We are confirming more and more dates for next year, please download our events calendar or view online.

Save the date!
FDF Convention, 13th June 2018 at the British Museum