Scotland Food & Drink Academy

THE SCOTTISH BAKER INDUSTRY NEWS

SCOTLAND FOOD & DRINK PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES THE ACADEMY TO DRIVE SECTOR GROWTH

January saw the launch of a new and unique training initiative to help businesses targeting growth, after the industry was one of the hardest hit by COVID-19 and Brexit. The initiative was launched by the The Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, in which Scottish Bakers is an active member.

It is the first major investment from Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s £5m Recovery Plan and is supported by The Scottish Government, and will run for two and a half years, aiming to support over 200 Scottish businesses. The creation of a unique supplier development programme has been high on the agenda for the Partnership since launching its Home Advantage strategy in 2018 and is also integral to its Ambition 2030 plan. Open to food and drink businesses of all sizes and disciplines, The Academy is a series of three programmes being rolled out to support businesses sell themselves, build their brands, thrive, and compete. It is being delivered by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership and food and drink consultants and training experts Levercliff Associates. The training programmes include Seeding Growth, Accelerating Growth and Commercial Excellence and each have been designed to support companies at various stages of their growth ambitions. Seeding Growth, which starts in May 2021, is aimed at companies whose primary focus is on maximising their local markets and beginning to move to broader Scottish and UK markets. Accelerating Growth is aimed at established businesses targeting advancement in the UK market and will start in the summer. The final course, Commercial Excellence, is an “The significant investment into The Academy means that we will be able to support over 200 businesses over the next two and half years, providing them with the practical tools for growth and success. It also aims to bring a renewed sense of positivity for businesses when it comes to growing their brand and will deliver real change that’s rooted in the here and now.”

Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural

Economy and Tourism, added: “The Academy is one of the most significant pieces of work to come out of the Food & Drink Recovery Plan launched late last year. It will help to build a sustainable and resilient supply chain ready to trade in UK and International markets. Scotland is home to much of the world’s greatest produce and we must do all we can to protect and promote it. “I know that the last year has been particularly difficult with Brexit and COVID each taking their toll on many businesses. It might feel difficult to invest time and resource right now but the Academy will provide the tools to future fit their businesses and tackle the challenges that lie ahead. I would encourage businesses to get in touch with Scotland Food & Drink and get involved in the Academy and continue to make the industry one of the true success stories of Scotland’s economy.” The Academy is open to all food and drink businesses in Scotland, members of Scotland Food & Drink as well as members of Scotland Food & Drink Partnership will receive a special discount.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about The Academy and how to apply for any of the programmes, please visit: www.foodanddrink.scot/the-academy/

SCOTLAND BRINGS SO MUCH TO THE TABLE

February saw the launch of a new campaign by the Scottish Government and Scotland Food & Drink Partnership. It was launched by none other than Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins. Scotland is blessed with a diverse and extensive larder. We’re proud of the fact that we produce some of the highest quality food and drink anywhere in the world. Our produce is celebrated and enjoyed right across the globe, and it’s grown right here, on our doorstep. advanced programme in building excellence in sales and negotiation for established highly ambitious businesses and sales leaders. Applications for the Seeding Growth programme closed on 7 March, however Accelerating Growth is open until the 4 April and the Commercial Excellence programme closes for applications of the 2 May.

Lucy Husband, Market Development and Business Engagement Director at Scotland

Food & Drink, said: “Food and Drink businesses in Scotland have faced an extraordinarily difficult year and many have had to put their growth ambitions on hold to deal with the everyday challenges to continue trading. “But while we don’t know how long we’ll be facing the existing challenges of Covid-19 restrictions and Brexit, food and drink businesses need to focus on growth if the sector is going to successfully recover.

The Scottish food and drink sector has, however, confronted change and uncertainty in recent months, and all parts of the supply chain have been affected. That’s why the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership has created the On The Table campaign; to get the Scottish food and drink industry back on the front foot and encourage more Scottish produce back on our tables. We’re delighted to support this campaign as a member of the partnership by highlighting and sharing the incredible range of produce. This will not only have a positive effect on livelihoods and local communities but, most importantly, it will help Scotland’s food and drink industry thrive.