“We’ve got world class manufacturing techniques here and also world class innovation,” said Clothier in this video interview filmed immediately after the presentation of the 2017 manufacturing Oscars. “What I have seen [in the judging process] reflects all those really strong values.”
Commenting on his first experience as an FMEA judge, Clothier said: “It really enthused me about grass roots food manufacturing in the UK – something that’s going to be really important post Brexit.”
Clothier said the award entries reflected the diversity of UK food and drink manufacturing business and their commitment to innovation. “What we have here is a variety of food producers, really good innovation, some really strong businesses coming through: small and medium-sized and really large businesses that are focused on innovation.”
‘Really good innovation’
That focus on innovation was an important pre-requisite to boosting both domestic sales and on the world market, he said. “Wyke Farms is trading in 164 countries now and everywhere I go around the world, people respect UK manufacturing.”
In order to build on that respect and boost global food and drink sales, businesses need to develop a strong track record of environmental management. “Environmentalism will be one of the key points of difference going forward,” he said.
“It’s not going to be all about costs: it’s going to be about whole-life costs and costs to the planet.”
Meanwhile, this year’s FMEAs will take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane, on Wednesday November 7. Read more about the 18th food and drink manufacturing Oscars here and how to register your interest in entering the awards here.