News & Events

​From Sugar to Sustainability: Sunil Appan on Career Growth and Green EnergyIn our latest episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, we were delighted to welcome Sunil Appan, an experienced leader in energy, sustainability, and food manufacturing, to discuss his fascinating career journey, the role of anaerobic digestion in the UK’s energy future, and the importance of investing in education and people.Hosted by our very own Andrew Fitzmaurice, the episode dives into Sunil’s transition from food manufacturing to renewable energy, offering valuable insights for job seekers, hiring managers, and sustainability advocates alike. A Career Powered by Curiosity and OpportunitySunil's professional story began back in 2009, following his graduation from university. He joined the prestigious ABF British Sugar Graduate Programme, where he spent over a decade learning the intricacies of sugar production and project engineering.After several years managing major control system projects, Sunil made a pivotal shift from engineering to energy trading and procurement. “A generous boss took a punt on me,” he says, highlighting the importance of open-minded leadership. This move propelled him into energy procurement roles across the ABF group, including big-name brands like Kingsmill and Primark.Eventually, Sunil found himself leading energy risk and sustainability efforts across multiple ABF businesses, even spearheading investigations into decarbonisation pathways for sugar manufacturing facilities in the UK. Entering the Green Gas RevolutionAfter a short sabbatical, which included building part of a house, Sunil joined Future Biogas in early 2024. The company operates in anaerobic digestion (AD) a process that breaks down organic material to produce renewable gas. It's a growing sector that’s already contributing around 1% of the UK’s gas supply.Sunil explains, “What we’re doing is injecting green molecules into the UK’s existing gas network instead of fossil ones.” By working with 400+ farmers across the East Midlands and East Anglia, Future Biogas helps develop rotational energy crops (mainly maize) while returning digestate to enrich soil and support farm resilience.Crucially, this model not only helps decarbonise UK energy but also supports British agriculture by providing farmers with diversified income streams and long-term sustainability benefits.Tackling Big Questions in Energy and AgricultureThe conversation touches on key questions around the future of AD: Should the industry focus on alleviating waste, or is there a place for purpose-grown energy crops? What does a "green gas marketplace" look like in practice? And how can policy changes support the UK’s move toward energy independence?Sunil is optimistic but grounded. “Other countries in Europe are already meeting up to 50% of their gas demand through green gas. For the UK to follow suit, we’ll need some smart policy decisions and sustained corporate ambition,” he says. Beyond Energy: A Passion for Education and LeadershipSunil doesn’t stop at energy innovation. He’s also a non-executive director at the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) and a governor at Inspire Education Group, an organisation supporting over 10,000 students and 1,500 staff across Stamford College, Peterborough College, and University Centre Peterborough.“It’s an incredible institution, right on my doorstep,” he says. “It gives me insight into an entirely different world - governance, leadership, and the development of young people.” Advice for the Next GenerationSunil’s message to young people is clear: “The renewable energy space is full of opportunity. Whether you’re joining a 150,000-strong corporation or starting something on your own, there’s room for you. Be curious, ask good questions, and don’t be afraid to try.”And, true to his inclusive approach, Sunil offers his time to anyone passionate about exploring a career in sustainability or energy. Final ThoughtsSunil Appan’s career is a brilliant example of how diverse experiences, from sugar factories to boardrooms, can shape a dynamic and impactful journey. His story blends technical expertise, commercial acumen, and a genuine commitment to sustainability and people.If you haven’t already, listen to the full episode of the MorePeople Podcast. Whether you’re a hiring manager, student, or job seeker, there’s something here for everyone looking to make a difference.​​

Meet the Rural Team​We are pleased to share that the Rural Team has expanded! With the latest additions of Ryan Bainborough, Team Manager, and Rachel Richardson, Recruitment Consultant, the team have broadened their expertise and are now looking after all aspects of Agriculture and Rural Recruitment. So, let's get to know the team further...Ryan Bainborough, Team Managerryan@morepeople.co.ukRyan grew up on a farm in Leicestershire and always envisioned himself as a farmer one day. However, after discovering his sporting talent, Ryan went on to play semi-professional ice hockey, representing England at Junior Level! After relocating to London, Ryan was able to start his recruitment journey and never looked back. Ryan utilises his recruitment and farming experience to support his team in the Rural and Agriculture Sector.Rachel Richardson, Recruitment Consultantrachel@morepeople.co.ukLike Ryan, Rachel grew up in a farming environment! Her early exposure to agriculture, combined with her experience as a farm service coordinator at a grain cooperative, has equipped Rachel with expertise in agricultural and rural recruitment. She is passionate about connecting with new people!Hannah Cuthbert, Recruitment Consultanthannah.cuthbert@morepeople.co.ukThroughout Hannah's life, she has hands-on experience in the agricultural industry. From driving tractors to advisory positions on policy and rural surveying, Hannah has even worked on a farm in Australia! Hannah has been a Student & Young Farmer for the NFU and a member of the Institute of Agricultural Management. She is also the face of our Young People in Food and Farming Group!Max Johnson, Recruitment Consultantmax@morepeople.co.ukAs a Harper Adams graduate in Rural Enterprise and Land Management, Max has developed a great understanding of Rural and Agricultural Employment. Paired with this knowledge, Max has experience working on farms across the country and also in various roles working on private estates.Get in touch with the team...Please get in touch with the team for a confidential chat about their services and how they can help. You can reach them on 01780 480 530, or by clicking on their email addresses.​​

Pershore College, the 60-hectare campus specialising in Horticulture, Animal & People Care, launches an inspiring forum for Horticulture employers. The college has an admirable 70 years of experience, training those in the Horticulture sector. The forum is designed to provide insight into the current employability gaps, whilst discussing what support the college can offer to help. Pershore College, which is part of the WCG, offers a wide range of courses at all levels, from apprenticeships and degree programmes to part-time RHS courses. Attendees will be given a tour of the college facilities whilst networking with those in the industry, including growers, arborists, landscapers and nursery owners. You will find MorePeople there too! It is important to connect with people in the industry to outline potential struggles, especially in an ever-evolving industry.We caught up with Josh Egan-Wyer, Head of Horticulture, Curriculum & Commercial at Pershore College. He explains that “we want people from all sectors of the Horticultural Industry to attend as we want to be able to train the horticulturists of the future to fit the demands of the industry. We also want to develop bespoke training courses, backed by industry, to allow them to upskill & meet the challenges we face, challenges that are forever changing too”."We are offering this training to help fill the skills gaps that you may already have within this industry, so why not help shape these keen recruits to ensure they meet the needs of your business in the future & encourage them to be the best they can be!" When is this happening?The first Horticulture Employer Forum will be held on:Friday 6th December 2024, between 10am-12pm. Where can I book a place?You can book your spot at the Horticulture Employer Forum here!  Interested to learn more about the Horticultural sector here at MorePeople? Click here.​

​Building Resilience and Driving Change: A Conversation with Steve Maxwell of Worldwide FruitIn the latest episode of TheMorePeople Podcast, Managing Director Richard Hanwell sat down with Steve Maxwell, CEO of Worldwide Fruit, to explore his 26-year journey in the fresh produce industry. What followed was an honest and insightful discussion about evolution, resilience, and the human side of food. From Procurement to Customer-Centric Supply ChainsSteve joined Worldwide Fruit back in 1998 and has witnessed a seismic shift in how the fresh produce industry operates. “When I started, it was all about procurement. You had supply, and you tried to push it through the chain,” Steve recalled. “Now it’s all about the customer. It's a pull model. You win when you understand what the customer really wants and align your supply chain to deliver it.”One of the biggest changes Steve has observed is the shift towards direct sourcing models by retailers. Where once there were numerous intermediaries, now many major supermarkets work directly with suppliers. This evolution demanded businesses like Worldwide Fruit to adapt and become complementary to their customers’ strategies, not just reactive. Evolving Relationships and Staying RelevantDespite the changes, one principle remains constant: service. “We’re an own-label business. We have to deliver service and availability. That’s never changed,” said Steve. What has changed is how that service is delivered. With fewer layers in the chain, suppliers need to be sharper, more agile, and deeply embedded in their customers’ world.At Worldwide Fruit, Steve and his team use an “Enterprise Excellence” framework. At the heart of that model? Customer results surrounded by purpose, process, and people. Get those aligned, he says, and you consistently add value. Talent Retention in a Complex IndustryRichard asked a timely question: “You’ve been there 26 years. You don’t see that kind of tenure anymore. How are you retaining talent?”Steve credits a healthy blend of homegrown talent and fresh perspectives. Half of the executive team has grown with the business for over two decades, while the other half joined more recently, bringing in new energy and ideas. “That mix keeps us inquisitive. It keeps us curious,” he said. But the key, especially in a region like Spalding, is building a solid internal pipeline - growing and developing talent from within. Recruiting for ResilienceHiring in fresh produce isn’t easy, especially when the industry is so unique. Steve explained that they’ve learned to look within the broader world of fresh food. The pace, the urgency, the short shelf life, these are traits that people in the sector understand instinctively.More importantly, Steve values curiosity. “If you're curious, you'll win,” he said. “You care about the supply chain, the customer, and how to improve. That’s where the value is.” Collaboration, Challenge, and the FutureThe last few years have tested the industry: COVID-19, the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, supply chain disruption. But with adversity came clarity.“We were food heroes in 2020 and 2021. But 2022 and 2023 were tough,” Steve admitted. “This year, though, we’ve seen real collaboration. Retailers and suppliers working together not just on price, but on availability and efficiency.”Looking ahead to 2025, Steve is optimistic. New investments in product categories like avocados and continued focus on people development give him confidence. “We’ve proven we’re resilient. Now it’s time to turn that into growth.” What Would Steve Tell His 25-Year-Old Self?“Go out more. Work hard. Don’t stress,” Steve smiled. “You can be tough and kind. You can be competitive and still be nice. Be curious. Care about people. And you’ll be just fine.” Final ThoughtsSteve Maxwell's story isn’t just one of business transformation, it's one of staying human in an increasingly complex world. His belief in people, curiosity, and purpose serves as a reminder that the best businesses aren’t just built around products, they’re built around people.​​

​Businesses across industries are grappling with an increasingly complex landscape. As a recruiter in the fresh produce and FMCG sector, I hear from operations and leadership teams daily about the mounting pressures they face in this environment driven by a combination of inflationary pressures, political changes, and evolving market dynamics. Here’s a snapshot of some key challenges impacting companies and the workforce today:Margin Erosion: Inflation in raw materials, packaging, utilities, and labour is impacting margins. Companies are implementing better procurement strategies, exploring renewable energy investments, and reviewing contracts to mitigate these challenges. These strategies can help secure a larger profit margin which is essential in the battle to stay competitive.Political Uncertainty: Legislative changes, including new labour laws and the unpredictability around budgets, add layers of complexity to long-term planning. Now with the budget being released last week it will be interesting to see how businesses will tackle the new challenges they will be facing in the new tax year.Competitive Edge: In an ever-competitive market, the phrase "don’t sleep at the wheel" couldn’t be more relevant. Understanding market trends and consumer demands is vital for success.Operational Investments in Technology: Strategic investments in capital expenditure (CAPEX) are necessary to enhance capabilities and cut operating costs. Transitioning from outdated processes to smarter, automated solutions allows businesses to gain greater control and respond more effectively to market changes. But this transition isn’t always straightforward—automation isn’t simply a tech upgrade; it’s a shift in operational mindset and with that come all new metrics which need to be measured and analysed.Climate Challenges: Climate change is affecting production, logistics, and quality control. Recent extreme weather conditions in Winter and Spring have drastically affected yields in arable and berry growing environments whilst a significantly hotter summer in 2023 led to increased operational costs in coldstores. These unpredictable weather patterns aren’t just a seasonal inconvenience, they’re a major operational risk. Cybersecurity and AI Risks: As technology evolves, so do the risks. Companies that neglect to invest in cybersecurity and AI strategies may find themselves vulnerable to significant threats. Talent Acquisition & Retention: In today’s competitive environment and with UK unemployment sitting around 3.8%, fostering a culture of high performance and appreciation is key to attracting and retaining top talent. Businesses with a clear vision and a strong commitment to employee development are thriving; others are feeling the pinch. High salaries are often enough to attract talent initially but if you are looking to retain this as mentioned previously challenge and development opportunities are the best way to guarantee yourself as an employer that people want to work for. Gen Z are demonstrating that they are attracted to employers with clear and thought-out values that are lived and breathed, rather than posted on a wall or homepage. Topics such as sustainability and inclusion are typically high on the agenda. The other main focus for this generation appears to be having a clear career pathway. Whilst this can be misinterpreted as wanting “everything now”, we are seeing that candidates are less fearful of working hard, rather wanting to ensure that their hard work pays off and is rewarded. Less a guarantee and more of a vision of what they can expect from a strong work ethic within your organisation. The fresh produce industry is navigating a complex landscape filled with obstacles and opportunities. As we move forward, it’s crucial for businesses to remain resilient, adaptive, and proactive. I recently read an article about how the FPC and HTA are urging the Government to make drastic changes to the border control processes for Fresh goods coming in as UK businesses are encountering problems such as rising logistics costs, increased waste, damaged goods and delays. These issues are straining business relationships, eroding confidence in border processes, and, ultimately, tarnishing the UK's business reputation. As a recruiter within the industry, we have an external point of view and will try to consult our clients where possible. Although I would never class myself as an expert in any Operational matter, I have learnt a lot from speaking to Operational professionals five days a week. So, if there’s ever a question about what your competitors may be doing or what you could be doing better, we are only a phone call away.

​We’re all well aware that Garden Centres have evolved and diversified, now offering a wide variety of plants, garden tools, furniture, decorative items and more for a full day out. As the demand for efficient operations and seamless customer experience grows, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology is emerging as a transformative solution. But what is RFID? Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to a wireless system comprised of two components: tags and readers. The technology is widely used in industries because it simplifies and automates processes. It uses radio waves to communicate, identify, and track objects wirelessly, making it a valuable tool for a variety of applications, from supply chain management to access control. You’ll see it being rolled out more and more across UK Retail. Here’s how RFID can benefit garden centres and elevate the way they serve their customers, other than the obvious easier, faster checkout experience using less staff! 1. Efficient Inventory Management RFID simplifies this with automated tracking: Real-Time Visibility: RFID tags provide live updates on inventory, allowing staff to monitor stock levels, locate items quickly, and know exactly what’s available on-site. This also helps better anticipate demand. Reduced Human Error: Unlike manual processes, RFID minimises human error, ensuring the inventory is accurate and reducing the need for frequent physical counts. 2. Streamlined Checkout ProcessIn a world where we’re becoming ever-more impatient and praise a fast service RFID means enhanced and fast checkouts & self-checkouts. Customers can simply place items in a designated area and they’ll be scanned automatically, no more looking for barcodes and trying to make them scan! 4. Enhanced Customer Experience and EngagementRFID provides valuable insights that help garden centres personalise the shopping experience: Customised Recommendations: By analysing customer purchases, garden centres can use RFID data to suggest related items or seasonal plants that match customer interests. Educational Insights: Customers can scan plants with their smartphones for instant care tips, growth expectations, and background information on each species, turning shopping into a learning experience. Customer Service: None of this means taking away staff, it should mean existing staff can spend more time on the shop floor with customers therefore improving the overall shopping experience! 5. Loss PreventionGarden centres face the risk of theft and misplaced items, especially with high-value plants and accessories: Enhanced Security: RFID tags are a theft deterrent, as items with RFID can trigger alerts if removed from the premises without proper checkout. Better Tracking of High-Value Items: Garden centres can track more expensive items like sculptures, fountains, and furniture, preventing loss and reducing shrinkage. 6. Data-Driven Business Decisions With RFID, garden centres can make informed decisions to improve profitability: Sales Insights: RFID data allows managers to identify top-selling items, peak shopping hours, and high-demand seasons. This insight helps optimise stock and seasonal planning. Customer Flow Analysis: Understanding how customers move through the store allows garden centres to optimise layouts, create attractive displays, and ensure popular items are easily accessible. In Summary , RFID technology offers garden centres a wealth of benefits, from efficient inventory management to improved customer engagement. By investing in RFID, garden centres can streamline operations, reduce waste, and create a seamless shopping experience that keeps customers coming back. As the garden centre industry continues to diversity, those embracing RFID will be well-positioned to flourish in this tech-enhanced, customer-driven landscape. Want to see the latest Garden Centre Retail jobs? Get in touch with our Garden Centre Recruitment Team today by calling Felicity or Michail > ​