In this exclusive video interview, Richardson, director at Turner & Townsend Suiko, forecasted that how businesses used the labour market to improve productivity would feature in most of the categories for this year’s FMEAs.
Richardson said: “I think one of the key themes will be around the challenges of labour at the moment, with the decision for Brexit and unemployment as it is.
‘A key theme’
“I think seeing how businesses are working with the labour market to optimise and use the labour market effectively will be a key theme that will come out in a lot of the categories this year.”
Also in this video interview, Richardson advised manufacturing Oscar hopefuls to focus on what makes their business unique, and to convince the judges of why they should win.
“Focus on your unique point you’re trying to get across. Sometimes the general background can use too much of the allocated space, so be quick and get into what your real uniqueness is that you’re trying to sell and convince us of why you’re worthy of the category award.
‘The results and the impact that’s had’
FMEA entries deadline
- Monday July 24
- Register here
“I want to see a lot of the evidence of not only some of the good things they’re doing, but also the results and the impact that’s had on the business. Sometimes we get lots of evidence of all the good things they’ve done and all the practices, but sometimes lacks the evidence that backs up how it’s really impacted the business, and how that’s really impacting the industry.”
The FMEAs are judged by an independent panel of industry experts, led by National Skills Academy for Food and Drink chair Paul Wilkinson.
The winners will be revealed at a stellar awards evening at the Hilton, Park Lane in London, on November 1.
To find out more about entering the awards, visit the FMEAs website, or call Catherine Lyne on 01293 610 493. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Katie Tyler on 01293 610 493.
Food Manufacture Excellence Awards: Which categories will you enter?
Manufacturing company of the year category
- Ambient
- Bakery
- Beverages
- Chilled foods
- Dairy
- Fresh produce
- Frozen foods
- Meat, poultry and seafood
From the winners of the individual category awards, one company will be selected by our judging panel to be crowned Food Manufacture Company of the Year.
A series of other awards will be presented and these are open to those companies that have entered the main category awards.
Other FMEA awards
- Best new use of food ingredients
- Environmental initiative of the year
- Supply chain initiative of the year
- Training programme of the year
- Judges’ star performer: presented to a company selected from all entries, which the judges believe deserves recognition for one particular area of its activities
- SME innovation of the year award: presented to the best small company whose turnover is less than £10M and employs fewer than 100 staff
FMEAs for individuals
The Me and My Factory – editor’s choice award recognises the company from those featured under this regular and popular section within the pages of Food Manufacture over the previous year that our editorial team considers stands out from all the rest.
Young talent of the year award will be made to the individual aged 25 years or under, who the judges assess to be the most promising new apprentice or graduate in food and drink manufacture.
The winners will be revealed at a fun-packed awards evening at the Hilton Park Lane in London on November 1.
The awards are free to enter and the winners are selected by an independent panel of leading experts from the sector.