Power to the manufacturers
Ross Warburton, executive director of bakery group Warburtons, has announced that one of his main priorities as he takes over the presidency of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) with effect from January 1 will be to raise the profile of the manufacturing sector - particularly with government.
Warburton, whose term of office will last for two years, takes over from Iain Ferguson, chief executive of Tate & Lyle.
"I look forward to working with the FDF team and other stakeholders in the food chain, as we address the challenges and opportunities that face our industry," said Warburton.
He thanked Ferguson for successfully embedding a new structure at the FDF that has "given the organisation a clear focus around three priorities: food safety, health and wellbeing, and sustainability and competitiveness". He added that it was important to keep building on what had already been achieved to ensure that the FDF continues to make a real difference in these policy areas.
"My priority for the next two years is to ensure that the FDF strengthens its reputation as a respected advocate of the food and drink industry," said Warburton. "It is well known for its ability to communicate our industry's views in the many complex debates that impact on us, but I also want it to become an even more influential, well-informed and proactive partner with whom government and others feel comfortable working."
He described the leadership the FDF had shown with its Five-fold Environmental Ambition as an example of how the organisation had helped its members get on the front foot as the government intensified its efforts to build a low carbon economy in the UK.
He added: "With the economy in the doldrums, my second clear priority is to ensure we deliver best value for our members in the next two years. It's important we demonstrate how the FDF can make a difference to their businesses, and their bottom lines, through its powerful advocacy work, by protecting the sector's interests and promoting the positive contribution made by the food industry on society."
