Introduction
Welcome to the first issue of Fii for 2007 – I cannot believe we are already in March. I am sure that you would agree that these are very exciting times in the food industry, within the last two months alone we have had labelling controversy, Sainsburys in buy-out talks, the threat of Bird-Flu and a ban on food advertising aimed at children.
For our part, we had a very busy January and a very quiet February – as per previous years. Last year the Football World Cup and a hot summer played a massive part in boosting business throughout the middle of the year – even sectors where this would traditionally not impact were reporting big increases in volumes and a need for more people, be it to increase productivity, fill crucial gaps or start important projects.
This year there is no football but even better a cricket world cup and a rugby world cup so lets all pray for some great weather and early surges in barbeques.
This issue contains the usual mix of self-generated articles, news and profiles of interim managers and other food industry individuals. Liz Matthews writes about the mysterious world of international commodities trading and has a look at some of the more “controversial” interviewing techniques currently adopted by companies.
John Parker is our featured Q&A interim – please do let us know if you would like to be profiled here in the future. Our “Food Industry Hero” this month is the founder of Bulmer’s Cider “Percy Bulmer” and what an interesting story his is.
Interim is not Pro Rata
Please note – There are a small number of recruitment companies and client companies trying to persuade interims to go Pro Rata – please note Interim is not Pro Rata. Follow this link to read our recent email to interims – and their responses.
Community – Les Marathons Des Sables
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Our work with our chosen charity, Props Forward, continues. We have undertaken to sponsor Vicky Ryan in her quest to complete the toughest footrace on Earth “Les Marathon Des Sables”. It will mean covering 151 miles in 6 days, carrying her kit and food across the desert in 120 degree temperatures. Our role will be to provide kit and vital equipment.
Squeamish people, look away now. Vicky’s feet will be blistered raw and the heat and distance will cause severe trauma to her physical and mental state. It will be an enormous achievement to finish. Vicky will be putting herself through this to raise money for Props Forward please add to her sponsorship through Just Giving.
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The Right Interim
As we grow, we intend to increase our market share without diluting the quality of our product offering – we are kicking off a campaign this month to ensure we only send a maximum of three CV’s for each assignment – any more than this and we don’t think the brief has been listened to – our marketing will centre around “The Right Interim”. We have spoken to a number of clients recently who are becoming increasingly frustrated at having up to 10 CVs or 10 names submitted for an assignment – a situation perhaps best illustrated by the cartoon shown!
The Team Grows
In the last issue we stated that one of our aims was to grow by carefully adding to our team – illustrated this month by the arrival of Adam Evans, whose profile you can see here Adam Evans Profile. We will also be looking to increase the headcount in the summer by one more consultant (watch this space).
Ltd Companies
Finally, important news for Ltd Companies, especially ones that are managed by third parties – you need to read this Tax article. The “small salary big dividends” days look like they are coming to an end – see your accountant for best advice on this.
Have a great spring,
Scott Hutchinson,
MD
Hutchinson Consultancy Ltd
Telephone:
01249 467 421 or 24 hrs on 07941 569 886
Email: enquiries@hutchinsonconsultancy.co.uk
By Post:
Hutchinson Consultancy Ltd
Rowan House
Sheldon Business Park
CHIPPENHAM
Wilts
SN14 0SQ
