News & Events

​On June 12, 2025, the Food Standards Agency issued a warning about so-called “Dubai-style” chocolate products being sold in the UK without proper allergen labelling, ingredient lists, or importer information. Some even contain banned additives not permitted under UK food law.As someone who’s spent nearly 20 years recruiting technical professionals in the food manufacturing sector, and as a parent of a daughter with serious food allergies, this news hit close to home.The Rise of a Trend—and the Risk Behind ItThese sweet, pistachio or knafeh-filled bars have become an online sensation. But not all products flooding into the UK are regulated or labelled to our standards. While the original versions may be safe, some imitations or unofficial imports are being sold with vague or incorrect allergen information. For families like mine, this isn't just concerning, it’s frightening!Consumers with allergies depend on labels to make decisions on whether a product is safe to eat or not. Without clear allergen declarations, parents like me are left guessing whether a treat could send their child to the hospital.So…. What needs to be considered to stop these situations from happening in the future?What Might This Mean for Food Industry Professionals?For those working behind the scenes in quality assurance, technical, or regulatory roles, this issue highlights areas that could be worth reflecting on:Supply Chain Awareness - Do we have full visibility into the origins and handling of new or imported products, especially those driven by fast-moving trends?Procurement & Partnerships - Procurement teams might find it helpful to revisit their criteria. Are allergen standards clearly communicated and verified when onboarding niche or non-traditional suppliers?Labelling Compliance - Spot-check packaging for compliance, ensuring allergens are not only listed, but displayed prominently in bold as required by UK regulations.Collaboration Across the Chain - This may be a moment to encourage stronger communication between manufacturers, importers, and even local enforcement teams. Shared responsibility supports a safer food chain.So what might change within Technical teams in light of this?·         Review supplier processes, especially for imported or niche products that are new to your business.·         Look again at allergen labelling, even on private label or co-packed goods. Small oversights can carry big consequences.·         Raise internal awareness by encouraging informal knowledge sharing on allergen control, even beyond your QA team.·         Stay ready with traceability protocols for newer products, especially when origin or ingredients aren’t fully standardised.·         Keep the consumer in mind. Allergy sufferers and their families rely on your expertise more than you may realise.Why This MattersIn food manufacturing, technical teams are often the unsung heroes of public safety. Behind every barcode and label is a professional making sure it’s right.For me, this isn’t just work. It’s about protecting children like my daughter and building an industry where consumers can trust every product on the shelf, no matter how trendy it may be.Let’s use moments like this to reaffirm our shared commitment to safety, integrity, and empathy.

​As we reach the halfway point of 2025, Rae and I have had the chance to reflect on what’s already been an exciting and rewarding year in the world of commercial recruitment for garden retail suppliers and the wider horticulture sector. From insightful industry events to inspiring charity initiatives (and even a bit of golf and climbing!), the past six months have been packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and give back. Here’s a snapshot of some of the highlights from our journey so far this year.HTA Regional Meeting at Hozelock – 11th MarchWe kicked off the spring with the HTA Regional Meeting, hosted at Hozelock. These meetings always offer a great chance to connect with peers and get a pulse on regional industry trends. It’s events like this that remind us how collaborative and forward-thinking our sector truly is.GIMA Day Conference - 25th MarchAI in horticulture? The GIMA Conference this year was a game-changer. Centred around the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, the day delivered fresh insights on how tech is transforming garden retail, from streamlining marketing and operations to revolutionising customer engagement. Rae released a fantastic blog about how we can all utilise AI in our working life. You can take a read here. It’s fair to say the conference left us buzzing with ideas, and it’s exciting to see how AI will continue to shape the commercial horticulture industry, but also how we can use this to support our day-to-day roles.GIMA President’s Dinner Co-Hosted by MorePeople – 24th AprilIt was a real privilege for MorePeople to co-host the GIMA President’s Dinner. Here at MorePeople, we run monthly Executive Network Dinners, uniting industry leaders to create a space for networking, discussing success stories and also challenges. The format of our Executive Networking Dinners worked perfectly—great food, great people, and some truly valuable conversations. It’s always inspiring to hear directly from those shaping the future of the garden retail supply chain.GIMA Golf Day - 5th JuneSome fun in the sun (and a bit of fundraising too)! We had a great time at the GIMA Golf Day—raising money for the brilliant Greenfingers Charity while trying our best to keep the ball on the fairway. We returned a decent score, with a few moments of brilliance and the odd "character-building" shot. Shout-out to the best caddie in the business, Rae Goss—couldn’t have done it without her.HTA National Plant Show – 18th JuneAs ever, the HTA National Plant Show delivered an inspiring showcase of new varieties, innovative displays, and passionate growers. Events like this keep our enthusiasm rooted firmly in the sector—there’s nothing quite like being surrounded by the latest in horticultural excellence to remind us why we love what we do. Whether it be promoting roles for the next generation or working with businesses considering their upcoming hiring needs, NPS proves invaluable to us every single year. You can check our my colleague Sarah's article on NPS here.Climbing the 02!Internally, Rae and I were both lucky enough to qualify for MorePeople’s quarterly incentive. This time it involved climbing the O2 in London—a brilliant experience and a great way to celebrate hard work. It was also a reminder of the strength of our team culture and how important it is to recognise and reward success.Of course, at the heart of everything we do is our work… connecting great people with great businesses in the garden retail and horticulture sectors. The first half of 2025 has seen us supporting a range of clients in attracting top commercial talent, from account managers and sales execs to senior leadership roles. It’s incredibly fulfilling to play a part in shaping the future of such a vibrant and growing industry.Rae and I are always here to discuss all things commercial within the horticulture and garden retail sectors. Whether you are considering your hiring plans, or looking to take your next career leap.Contact me

​Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the Festival of Fresh – a standout event in the fresh produce calendar that brings together the best of innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence across the sector. Hosted in a buzzing and collaborative environment, the festival offered more than just good coffee and name badges — it provided genuine insight into where the industry is heading and the evolving demands on technical professionals. As someone working in technical recruitment within the fresh produce sector, this event was too good to miss. I was keen to deepen my understanding of the technical challenges our clients and candidates face and stay ahead of the trends shaping tomorrow’s workforce. Plus, it’s always great to put faces to the names and voices we speak to day in and day out. This was my first time attending the Festival of Fresh, and I was expecting a mix of thought-provoking panel discussions, networking opportunities, and practical insights into topics like food safety, sustainability, and innovation. The event delivered on all fronts — and then some. Highlights from the Day One major highlight was the site tour of Worldwide Fruit. It was my first time inside a fresh produce site, and the experience gave me a great understanding of the environments and technologies that shape the roles we recruit for. Their advanced ripening facilities were particularly impressive — seeing innovation in action adds a whole new layer of context to the job specs we see every day. Another standout topic was the use of AI and machine learning in quality control. Technologies like visual grading systems for fruit are changing the game — and redefining what skills technical teams will need moving forward. Takeaways for Technical Recruitment A key theme that emerged was the broadening scope of technical roles. It's not just about QA or compliance anymore. Employers are looking for candidates who can bridge the gap between food safety, sustainability, and consumer trends. This means a rising demand for adaptable, digitally-savvy professionals with cross-functional insight. Some of the most pressing challenges discussed included labour shortages and the age gap in technical teams, with fewer young professionals entering the sector. It’s clear that candidates who can bring automation experience or are comfortable with digital QA systems will have a significant edge in the market. Beyond the sessions and site tours, it was beneficial to have real conversations with industry professionals — both clients and candidates. We covered everything from hiring challenges to the ongoing shift from remote to office-based work post-COVID. Events like this remind you how valuable face-to-face interaction is in building long-term relationships and uncovering the nuances behind a company’s hiring needs. My biggest learning? The technical space is evolving fast. It’s no longer just about doing things right; it’s about doing things better, faster, and more sustainably. Innovation and accountability are becoming core pillars of every technical function. Attending the Festival of Fresh has made me more informed and confident in the conversations I have daily. It’s helped shape my understanding of what “future-ready” candidates look like and how we can adapt our sourcing and advisory approach to support our clients more strategically. Since returning, I’ve started reviewing our candidate screening process to better assess how adaptable and forward-thinking candidates are — especially around tech and sustainability. I’ll also be following up with several new contacts from the event to explore potential partnerships and upcoming roles. If you’re a recruiter or industry professional considering going next year, I can’t recommend it enough. The insights you’ll gain go far beyond job specs and industry reports. It’s a real-time pulse check on the sector — and one of the best ways to stay aligned with the challenges and opportunities our clients and candidates are navigating. ​

​Last week, we had the pleasure of exhibiting at the National Plant Show – and what a brilliant two days it was. As always, it was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with candidates, clients, and friends, and remind myself of everything the industry has to offer – from the latest plant launches to key sector news and conversations.There was more conversation than ever before around technology and automation in horticulture. From smarter growing systems to supply chain innovation, it’s clear that businesses are thinking ahead.Alongside that, there’s still a very real, ongoing need for people, especially in commercial growing roles. In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges continues to be changing perceptions of horticulture. Too often, the industry is misunderstood or dismissed as ‘just grass cutting’ or ‘what you do if you’re not academic.’ In reality, it’s full of opportunity – whether you’re keen to get your hands dirty or carve out a career in business, marketing, operations, or science. There’s something here for everyone.One thing that stuck with me is the sheer volume of new plant varieties being introduced each year. These new products are the result of years – sometimes decades – of work behind the scenes: breeding, trials, testing and refinement. Being a keen amateur gardener myself, I find the process behind the scenes fascinating. It made me think - do the general public realise what really goes on behind the scenes? Do they understand what goes into bringing a brand-new plant to market? Would they be interested if they knew? It’s a story that deserves to be told more loudly, and a story that my colleague Emily recently witnessed first hand at the Rochfords Rose Trials. You can read all about her experience here.The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) hosted a networking event on day one, giving members the chance to meet new faces, share experiences and build new connections. Events like these are so important for building confidence and a sense of community, especially in a sector that can feel lonely at times.We also launched an exciting new collaboration with Barclays Life Skills, giving YPHA members access to seven online learning modules, covering topics from Mental Resilience to Business Planning. Giving young minds access to these resources is vital, whilst making them aware of all the opportunities within Horticulture that they can kickstart a career in.It was also encouraging to see more businesses bringing their younger team members along to the show. A few senior leaders told me they made a point of it, to inspire and energise the next generation – and with free tickets, there’s really no reason not to.The National Plant Show is a perfect snapshot of why horticulture is such an exciting, diverse, and evolving industry. It’s multi-faceted, fast-paced, and full of genuine passion. For anyone thinking of entering the industry – or just starting out – I couldn’t recommend it more. You’ll leave with new ideas, new contacts, and a fresh sense of what’s possible.I am always available for a chat about getting into the industry. You can contact me here.  

​Cultivated meat—also known as lab-grown meat—has moved well beyond the early experimental phase. A few years ago, it felt like something you'd only see in a science documentary, but now companies worldwide are producing real meat without animals. Some have already launched products in places like the US and Singapore, and the UK seems to be moving toward regulatory approval in the next couple of years.The tech is getting more advanced (and cheaper) all the time. We’re seeing developments like AI being used to optimise how cells grow, plant-based scaffolds to give meat realistic textures, and 3D printing to build structure into the final product. It’s clever stuff, but what I keep returning to is—what does this mean for the people?As someone who works in recruitment in the food industry, I'm always thinking about the human side of these shifts. Where do the jobs go? What new ones get created? And what happens to the people who’ve been doing things the traditional way for generations?New Tech Means New RolesAs you'd expect, there’s a growing need for people in science and engineering—biotech specialists, lab technicians, automation experts, and quality and safety roles. There’s also a lot of crossover with tech and manufacturing—things like data analysts, machine operators, and people who can help scale processes from lab to factory.But What About Traditional Roles?I can’t help but wonder what impact this might have on more traditional parts of the industry—farming, meat processing, supply chain. Could we see job losses as cultivated products grow in popularity? Possibly. But I also think there’s a conversation to be had about working together.Could traditional meat processors bring expertise to help refine these new products? Could farmers supply some of the raw ingredients for cell culture or alternative scaffolding? Could rural communities benefit from new types of facilities opening locally?Room for Both?It doesn’t have to be either/or. Traditional meat and cultivated meat might end up sitting side by side for a long time, each appealing to different consumers. What interests me is whether the people behind both approaches can learn from each other, and how we as an industry support that.These are big changes, and like a lot of things in food right now, they’re happening quickly. I’m definitely not an expert in cell biology, but I am interested in how this all plays out for real people and jobs across the sector.

​Insights from the Young Farmers Stage at CerealsAgriculture is no longer just about muddy boots and tractors; today’s industry offers a diverse and rapidly evolving range of careers. From agronomy to AI, from livestock to logistics, the Young Farmers Stage at Cereals hosted an inspiring session exploring the future of agri-careers in the UK. Away from Wardy’s Waffle Bar and attendees queuing up to look at the new John Deere 9RX, this lively one-hour panel brought together experts from across the sector to discuss not only current job opportunities but also the emerging roles and skills needed for the decades ahead.Panel FormatThe session began with a series of 5-minute speaker introductions, supported by slides, and concluded with a Q&A from the audience focused on real-world job descriptions and audience questions.This format allowed attendees to hear directly from leading voices in the industry while gaining practical advice on career paths, skills development, and where the sector is headed.What the Audience Wanted to KnowThanks to a recent visitor survey from Cereals 2024, we ensured the panel reflected what matters most to young people considering a future in agriculture. Topics included:Emerging Agritech jobsThe impact of AI, robotics, and drones on employmentMentorship and coaching programmesInclusivity and workforce diversificationTraining and apprenticeshipsRoles in the food supply chainMeet the PanelModerator: Hannah Cuthbert – Recruitment Consultant, MorePeopleAs both Chair and speaker, Hannah brought valuable insight from the world of ag recruitment. She explored the breadth of available roles, highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills, and shared live job descriptions to spark discussion. Hannah also introduced the work of MorePeople, explaining exactly what we do and what we specialise in!Thomas Price – Employment and Skills Adviser, NFUThomas provided a market overview from the NFU, spotlighting what members are looking for in new hires, the challenges employers face, and how policy changes are influencing workforce demand.Marcus Travers – Agri-Food Technology Lead, Anglia Ruskin UniversityMarcus focused on educational pathways from undergraduate and graduate programmes to apprenticeships. He explored how future ag roles are evolving and what skills today’s students need to stay competitive.Corrina Urquhart – CEO, BASISCorrina introduced the audience to ongoing professional development programmes including BASIS, NRoSO, FACTS, and Agronomy certifications—essential tools for anyone looking to upskill or re-skill in land-based sectors.Charles Jarvis – Case Study SpeakerCharles offered an inspiring and practical first-hand account of his career journey, sharing the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped his path in agriculture.Tess Howe – Head of PartnershipsTess unpacked the innovation pipeline in farming and introduced the work of TIAH (The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture). She discussed precision ag, specialist roles, and shared findings from their recent Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) report on the skills we’ll need to succeed in agriculture by 2040.Why This MattersEvents like Cereals are vital in shaping the future of UK agriculture and sparking these types of conversations. They aren’t just about showcasing the latest kit and crop science—they're also critical for shaping the workforce of tomorrow. They give career changers, students and industry professionals a chance to connect, ask questions, and explore new directions.During the panel, a question stood out to me: "How can I stay on the pulse when it comes to finding my first role in the industry?"They were already doing the right thing; they were at Cereals. The network and calibre of attendees is fantastic and a great way to learn more and develop new connections. I remember being a nervous University Student myself, walking around Cereals completely excited by all of the opportunities agriculture possessed. Speaking to anyone and everyone, they were all very happy to explain their business and career opportunities to me. Today, I’m lucky enough to help others navigate those same choices, whether they’re just starting out or stepping up into senior and board-level roles. The diversity of career paths in agriculture has never been greater, and there’s never been a more exciting time to get involved.Want to learn more or get involved?Check out MorePeople, the NFU, Anglia Ruskin University, BASIS, and TIAH for resources, courses, and career advice.I am always available for a chat... contact me here!​

​A few days have passed since the Cereals Event 2025 in Lincolnshire, and what an event it was! As a recruitment consultancy that lives and breathes the rural and agricultural sectors, this event is always a big one for us.  With over 400 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, Cereals once again proved why it’s the go-to event for arable farming in the UK. For us, it was more than just a chance to see the latest kit or catch a few talks (though we did plenty of that too!). It was about staying close to the pulse of the industry, meeting the people who make it tick, and understanding where things are headed – so we can keep doing what we do best: connecting great people with great opportunities.The Big Picture: Change, Challenge, and InnovationThere was a sense of unease in the air this year. From food security and climate resilience to the role of tech in farming, the conversations were big and bold. NFU President Tom Bradshaw kicked things off with a strong message: food security should be treated as a national defence issue. That really set the tone, and he isn’t wrong. The #backafarmernotstarmer flags elicited more than a few wry smiles, and Steve Reed and Daniel Zeichner were conspicuous only by their absence, though this wasn’t necessarily surprising. I can’t imagine them feeling entirely comfortable in a field full of people that their government seems to be hell-bent on kicking at every turn.  But amongst the restlessness, there was also a feeling of optimism and forward thinking. We saw some incredible innovations – from drone spraying demos to AI-powered crop analytics – and it’s clear that the sector is evolving fast. It’s now less about who can plough the straightest furrow and more about ‘who can adapt to technology’. For us, that means the types of roles we’re recruiting for are changing too. There’s growing demand for people who can bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern tech, and who understand both the land and the data.Hannah Cuthbert at the Careers Luncheon A standout moment for our team was seeing our very own Hannah Cuthbert speak at the Careers Luncheon. She joined a panel of industry voices to talk about career pathways in agriculture, and she absolutely nailed it. Hannah spoke passionately about the variety of roles available in the sector today – not just on farms, but in agronomy, sustainability, tech, and rural business. She highlighted how important it is to support young people coming into the industry and to show them that the sector is full of opportunity, purpose, and innovation. We couldn’t have been prouder. It was a brilliant reminder of why we do what we do: helping people find meaningful careers in a sector that really matters.Reconnecting with Clients and Candidates One of the best parts of Cereals is the people. We had so many great conversations – some planned, some spontaneous – with clients, candidates, and industry friends. It was lovely to catch up with familiar faces and to meet new ones too. We spoke with candidates who are thinking about their next move, and with businesses that are growing and looking for the right talent to take them forward. These chats are invaluable. They help us understand what’s happening on the ground, what challenges people are facing, and where the opportunities are.And let’s be honest. There’s something about chatting face-to-face, in a field, with a coffee in hand, that just can’t be replicated over email or Zoom.The Great Big (Green) Elephant in the Field Of course, we couldn’t leave Cereals 2025 without mentioning the new John Deere 9RX – a true beast of a machine that drew plenty of attention. It’s undeniably impressive in scale and engineering but seeing it up close only reinforced my feelings outlined in my recent blog post, “How Big Is Too Big?”. For UK farming, where field sizes and terrain often demand a bit more agility over brute strength, the 9RX feels like a mismatch. It’s a marvel, yes, but it’s hard to see it being practical for most British operations. The horsepower race continues, but I remain unconvinced that bigger always means better, especially in our corner of the world.What We Took Away Here are a few things that really stood out to us this year:Food and energy security are now front and centre. This is going to shape policy, funding, and hiring in a big way – especially in areas like soil management, biofuels, and supply chain resilience.Tech is transforming the sector. From robotics to data analytics, the future of farming is digital. That means new skills, new roles, and new opportunities.Young people are key. There was a real focus on the next generation, and it’s clear we need to keep investing in them – not just with training, but with clear career pathways and support.Climate resilience is critical. Farmers are under pressure to adapt, and that’s driving demand for expertise in sustainability, regenerative practices, and environmental compliance.Business skills matter more than ever. As farms become more complex and diversified, there’s a growing need for people who can think strategically and manage operations like any other business.Why Events Like This Matter to Us For us, Cereals isn’t just a day out. It’s a chance to listen, learn, and stay connected. It helps us to:Keep up with what’s happening in the industryUnderstand what our clients and candidates needSpot trends and opportunities earlyStrengthen relationships and build new onesIt also reminds us why we love working in this space. Agriculture is full of passionate, innovative, and resilient people, and we’re proud to play a part in helping them thrive.Looking AheadWe left Cereals 2025 feeling informed and energised. There’s a lot of change happening in the sector, but also a lot of opportunity, and we’re excited to help our clients and candidates navigate it all.If we saw you at the event, thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. And if we missed you, we’d love to catch up. Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or just want to chat about what’s next for the industry, we’re here. Let’s keep the conversation going.Contact me | Max Johnson

​On Tuesday 3rd June, Felicity and I had the pleasure of attending the Rochfords International Rose Trials as part of a HTA Members Regional Event – and we left with a renewed appreciation for both the complexity of rose breeding and the quiet innovation happening behind the scenes of UK horticulture.RIRT is the only independent site in the UK where unnamed seedling roses — varieties not yet commercially available — are trialled on behalf of breeders from around the world. Judged over two years using WFRS (World Federation of Rose Societies) standards, it’s a rare opportunity to see the future of the rose market taking shape, long before these plants reach garden centres.The trials form part of Rochford's broader CSR commitment. In addition to supporting breeders and growers, the initiative places a strong emphasis on education and outreach, engaging schools, colleges and horticultural societies to help promote horticulture to a wider and younger audience.A Unique Space in the MarketThe day began with a welcome and introduction from the HTA, followed by a tour through the trial beds. It was such a valuable chance to witness how innovation and product development are unfolding at the breeder level. These are the formative stages of varieties that could become bestsellers — or never even make it past this field.One particularly exciting development from our visit was the announcement of RIRT’s collaboration with the RHS, which will allow top-performing roses from the trials to be considered for the Award of Garden Merit. For breeders, this could be the bridge they need between trial success and commercial recognition. Also announced during our visit was the launch of the Peter Seabrook Award for Novelty in Rose Breeding. The award, in memory of the late journalist and plant trial advocate, will be judged by Kerry French and Robert Wharton, with the first winner to be named in 2025!Industry Questions with No Easy AnswersDuring the Q&A session, much of the discussion focused on the public perception of roses. A key question emerged: Should we be encouraging consumers to view roses as part of a mixed border, rather than relegating them to traditional rose beds?This led to a broader debate around responsibility. Should garden centres be rethinking how roses are displayed and marketed? Or should breeders and growers be doing more to simplify care instructions and ensure varieties are accessible to less experienced gardeners?While no clear consensus was reached during our Q&A, it was really great to hear this kind of dialogue taking place. The fact that the issue remains unresolved highlights the complexities of connecting plant development, marketing, and consumer behaviour — a challenge familiar to many of the people working in the horticultural supply chain.Observations from the FieldOne of our favourite aspects of the day was the opportunity to cast a vote alongside other HTA members. We assessed fragrance and overall appeal — it became clear that Felicity and I have very different taste in roses, while she opted for a much more classic silhouette, I love the simpler plants with smaller, less elaborate flowers. For those of us working on the people side of horticulture, it was a reminder of just how many disciplines contribute to getting a new plant to market — and how many conversations are still being had around innovation, accessibility and consumer engagement.RIRT may be a quiet player in the public eye, but its role in shaping the future of rose breeding in the UK is significant. With a focus on both quality and inclusivity, it offers a model for how public opinion around growing roses can evolve, not just for experts, but for the next generation of gardeners and growers.As the trials progress, it will be interesting to see how many of these currently unnamed seedlings actually find a place in the wider market — and what kind of support, branding and education they’ll need to thrive once they do.

In the fast-paced, high-demand world of food manufacturing, operational efficiency is everything. With tight production schedules, stringent food safety standards and rising costs, the pressure on engineering teams has never been greater. But as the industry faces a growing shortage of qualified engineers, an often-overlooked solution is stepping into the spotlight: should skilled operatives be trained in basic maintenance tasks? The Engineering Talent GapFood manufacturers across the globe are feeling the pinch of an ageing engineering workforce. With fewer young professionals entering technical trades and many experienced engineers approaching retirement, it's becoming increasingly difficult to staff facilities with fully qualified maintenance engineers. This scarcity doesn't just stretch existing teams. It can directly impact production uptime, response times, and overall plant efficiency.A Smarter Division of LabourEnter the skilled operative: a production team member trained to carry out fundamental maintenance tasks. These tasks might include simple equipment inspections, lubrication, cleaning, filter replacements, or minor adjustments that don’t require a full-fledged engineer. By equipping operatives with the skills and autonomy to handle this first line of maintenance, food manufacturers can:1. Free Up Engineering TimeSkilled operatives can take on the “low-hanging fruit” of maintenance work tasks that, while essential, don’t require deep technical expertise. This allows engineers to focus on more complex diagnostics, critical repairs, or improvement projects that directly impact throughput and quality.2. Improve Responsiveness and UptimeIn a busy production environment, delays in responding to minor faults or preventive maintenance tasks can snowball into bigger issues. Skilled operatives can act as the eyes and ears on the ground, addressing simple issues immediately and escalating more complex problems with valuable first-hand insight.3. Reduce Maintenance CostsDeploying engineers for every task, no matter how basic, is inefficient and expensive. By assigning low-level maintenance to trained operatives, companies can reduce overtime, contractor reliance, and unplanned downtime, all while optimising labour resources.4. Encourage Ownership and EngagementTraining operatives in basic maintenance fosters a sense of ownership and accountability for the equipment they work with every day. This proactive culture can lead to better housekeeping, more accurate reporting of equipment issues, and a greater overall commitment to operational excellence.5. Support Compliance and SafetyWith the right training, operatives can contribute to safer working environments by spotting early signs of wear, leaks, or hygiene concerns. Their involvement enhances preventive maintenance programs, which are critical in ensuring both equipment reliability and food safety compliance. Making It Work: Training and StructureImplementing a skilled operative model requires more than a quick training session. It demands a structured approach:Clear Role Definition: Delineate which tasks can be safely and effectively handled by operatives and which remain the responsibility of engineers.Robust Training Programs: Provide practical, standard-aligned training that ensures operatives understand safety protocols, GMP, and the technical fundamentals relevant to their duties.Continuous Support: Equip operatives with the right tools, reference materials, and access to engineering support when needed.Feedback Loops: Create a communication channel between operatives and engineers to ensure knowledge sharing, incident reporting, and ongoing improvement.Conclusion: A Strategic AdvantageAs the food industry continues to face workforce challenges and increasing pressure to do more with less, the role of skilled operatives in basic maintenance is becoming a strategic necessity. By expanding their capabilities, manufacturers can build more resilient, cost-effective operations while easing the burden on a dwindling engineering workforce.In a sector where every second counts and every ounce of efficiency matters, the answer isn’t always hiring more engineers; it’s about working smarter.For a discussion on hiring the right engineers, ready to adapt to whatever your workforce demands, please do reach out to see how I can help.Contact me Ben.gough@morepeople.co.uk