FDF Annual Review 2011: Engaging constructively

Building on the recognition gained for our industry through the Advanced Manufacturing Review, we have been maintaining our efforts to keep the food and drink manufacturing industry at the top of the Government's agenda.

Under the chairmanship of John Stevenson MP, the All Party Parliamentary Food and Drink Manufacturing Group (APPG) goes from strength to strength. John also chaired our Community Partnership Awards judging panel and, along with many other Parliamentarians and Government officials, attended the winners' lunch in October where we showcased the very best of our industry's activities in areas such as education, apprenticeships, health and wellbeing and environment.

Business Minister Mark Prisk taking part in the product tasting sessions at the BIS food and Drink manufacturing showcase

In autumn 2011 we were delighted to accept an invitation from Department of Business, Skills and Innovation (BIS) officials to showcase the industry for a fortnight at their Victoria Street headquarters. This project highlighted some of the best examples of FDF/ member participation that we have seen and the fortnight was considered a great success by industry and Government.

We have also been invited to partner with BIS in summer 2012 for the See Inside Manufacturing campaign alongside the aerospace and automotive industries.

One of FDF's key strengths is its strong relationships with decision-makers, opinion formers and partners across the range of issues on which we work. Bringing together the chief executives in our industry with Cabinet Ministers and other high level stakeholders helps us give them an insight into the issues facing the sector as well as sharing ideas about how to tackle the issues facing us in a atmosphere of trust and genuine collaboration. Across key Government departments FDF works to ensure members' voices are heard and to deliver constructive opportunities to work together such as with Defra and BIS on our shared 20/20 vision for growth.

Community Partnership Awards ceremony Building on our 20/20 vision, as we moved into 2012 we were joined by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the Rt.Hon Danny Alexander at one of our APPG breakfasts. We were able to highlight issues such as research and development capabilities; the need to promote British products in export markets and reform of the tax systems and skills. The Chief Secretary stressed that the Coalition is keen to secure the future of the industry by creating the right conditions for the sector to thrive.

Helping officials and Ministers to understand the sector, finding solutions to problems and co-creating policy we look forward to maintaining those links throughout 2012 to promote Britain's largest manufacturing sector.

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