Contact Us
Site icon

    If you are a candidate looking for a new role, a business looking for a recruitment partner or a recruitment professional looking for a career with Henderson Brown please fill in the below for a confidential conversation with one of our team:

    Retailer reports ‘strong’ Christmas trading although saw sales fall by 1.5% during the third quarter

    Tesco saw like-for-like sales rise by 1.3% during the key six-week Christmas trading period thanks to low prices and a strong “seasonal offering”.

    In contrast, like-for-like sales fell by 1.5% during the retailer’s Q3 (13 weeks to 28 November), which the retailer said was down to not repeating ‘£5 off £40’ national coupon campaigns from the previous year.

    Chief executive Dave Lewis said more staff on shop floors boosted sales over Christmas, which also saw volumes rise by 3.5% and transactions increase by 3.4%. He hailed the Christmas results as a “significant improvement” on recent years.

    “Our Christmas performance was strong, benefiting from lower prices on an outstanding range of products,” Lewis said. “Our customer service improved materially and our colleagues went the extra mile. 

    “Through our ongoing investment in lower, more stable prices, we were around five per cent cheaper than last year on the lines that mattered most to our customers at Christmas.”

    Lewis said strong Christmas performance was evident across all formats and categories, including positive like-for-like sales growth in Tesco Extra.

    International sales have continued to grow, he continued, including positive sales momentum in Europe and Asia, and the Thai business reaching its highest-ever market share.

    “There is plenty more to do, but we are making good progress and are trading in line with profit expectations for the full year,” he added.

    Tesco like-for-like Xmas sales rise by 1.3%

    Workers in the fast food industry are expected to be joined this afternoon by members of union GMB in a protest over wages. 

    The demonstration is due to take place outside McDonald’s in Whitehall, Central London at 5pm. The campaign is fighting to secure a £10 an hour living wage, trade union rights for fast food workers and an end to zero-hours contracts.  

    Following this, a forum will take place at 6.30pm in Room 8, House of Commons, Westminster. Fast food workers across the UK and US will be joined by speakers John McDonnell, Shadow Chancellor, Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) president Ian Hodson, and Kevin Rowan of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). 

    “Fast food workers are organising and fighting back,” said Kamaljeet Jandu, GMB national officer. “In the UK and America, fast food workers are forced to live in poverty by multinational and hugely profitable companies like McDonald’s. 

    “While McDonald’s has raked in profit at the expense of its workers, it has been exposed as not paying its tax. McDonald’s is in the dock. GMB is inviting the public to join fast food workers in the fight for higher wages, union rights and respect at work.” 

    Today’s events follows a series of protests across the UK last November, outside fast food outlets and Marks & Spencer, to stand alongside workers in New York City campaigning for a real living wage of $15 per hour.

    Fast food workers protest for higher pay

    Retailer’s announcement relaunches price war into 2016 while CEO Andy Clarke says ‘radical and logical action’ is needed

    Asda has invested £500 million in further price cuts in the first major move this year for price war between the top four retailers and discounters.

    Chief executive Andy Clarke said the business must take “radical action” to win back customers and said he expects 2016 to be another year of intense pressure.

    The investment into prices comes on top of the £1 billion over five years Asda said it would invest into price in November 2013.  It is part of Project Renewal – a two-year programme within Asda’s five-year strategy to reinforce its value proposition.

    The news comes as Asda also announced it has joined European buying alliance EMD, which will help develop the company’s own-label range. EMD is made up of 14 national buying structures and pools the collective buying power of 250 supermarket chains. 

    EMD membership will help develop a “radical shake-up” of its approach to buying, Asda said, and alongside leverage from IPL it will be able to “release significant savings from its supply chain”.

    Clarke said: “Asda is unquestionably the UK’s lowest price full range supermarket business and we intend to strengthen that position. Indeed, we reaffirmed this as 2016 began when we became the first retailer to cut unleaded and diesel prices below £1.

    “The structure of UK grocery retailing has permanently changed to reflect the way that customers shop today. Being part of Walmart also gives us insight into similar trends in the rest of the world and it’s clear that this is a global phenomenon.”

    Clarke said Asda saw the change coming and responded in 2013 but “didn’t move fast enough”. “There is currently no growth in the food market and the rise of the limited assortment discounters means that we must take radical action to win back our customers. Today, from our strong financial position, we are taking another bold step forward in our five year strategy,” he said.

    “Fundamentally changing how we buy products means we can realise significant savings from our cost base and pass these directly to customers through a rebased pricing model. Joining forces with the huge EMD network of 250 European supermarkets will give us significant economies of scale. We’ll continue to work with our suppliers to lower costs in our supply chain and return sales to growth in partnership.

    “But we are not complacent. We remain cautious and, as the chancellor warned on Thursday, we expect that 2016 will be another year of intense pressure at a macro-economic level in addition to sales remaining under strain from price deflation, a continued competitive background throughout the sector and radically changing customer shopping habits.”

    Alongside the price cuts, Asda will also invest in 95 of its largest stores to make them “more relevant”, removing “fringe ranges” and investing in own-label.

    Clarke continued: “We know our customers better than anyone else and we need to structure our offer to meet their changing needs. This knowledge has shaped our plans to make our bigger stores easier to shop, laying them out in a way that’s relevant to today’s customers by removing fringe, marginal ranges, significantly investing in our own label ranges and providing services that they need.”

    He warned that industry faces “more turbulence” in the short-term, but insisted that in the long-term he has the “right and winning strategy”.

    “We expect that 2016 will be another year of intense pressure at a macroeconomic level, in addition to sales remaining under strain from price deflation, a continued competitive background throughout the sector, and radically changing customer shopping habits,” Clarke said.

    The news comes as both Aldi and Lidl begun 2016 by reducing the price point of select promoted fresh produce items from 39p to 29p. Trading figures for the key Christmas period are due this week (w/c 11 January) for several of the major retailers, with Asda due to report in mid February.

    Asda invests £500m into new price cuts

    AHDB Beef & Lamb has unveiled the Meat Education Programme. 

    Developed by the levy board after it identified a lack of accessible training in the meat industry, the Meat Education Programme aims to help both individuals and businesses enhance their knowledge and understanding of the sector. 

    Targeted at the whole of the meat supply chain, including: butchers and processors; chefs, foodservice sales and new product development staff; meat buyers and traders; meat counter staff, and marketing professionals and press, there are 16 theory and practical modules in the Meat Education Programme, each is supported by must-read study materials that are free to download at www.qsmbeefandlamb.co.uk/mep. 

    The Programme comprises theory and practical modules covering: understanding beef and lamb breeds, production and meat quality; identifying beef carcases for classification, quality, age and the sex of the animal; understanding and recognising different beef and lamb cuts; ideal cooking methods used for different muscles; understanding cooking with red meat; customer service for serve-over counters; telephone skills for meat sales staff; and three beef and lamb practical modules for learners to demonstrate their skills by cutting a carcase into primal cuts and producing retail and foodservice cuts. 

    Online assessment and certification are available free-of-charge for the theory modules and there are three practical beef and lamb modules will be assessed at the learner’s place of work by experienced butchery professionals.  

    Dick van Leeuwen, business development manager for AHDB Beef & Lamb and project leader of the Meat Education Programme, said: “It gives me great pleasure to launch the Meat Education Programme – an extensive and wide-reaching resource developed to add genuine value to the industry. We know that it will prove to be a hugely beneficial tool to individuals and businesses – from butchers to chefs – operating within the meat industry, boosting knowledge and skills. 

    “Not only will the Meat Education Programme enhance industry knowledge but it will also make it more appealing to newcomers by providing easy access to training and development, with demonstrable accreditation.  

    “We cannot wait for people to try the programme out and would welcome the opportunity to talk to any business that would like to discuss trialling the programme as an in-house educational resource for staff.” 

    AHDB Beef & Lamb launches Meat Education Programme

    Discovered by a Spanish grower while walking through his farm in Valencia, and developed in conjunction with Citrus Genesis

    The Muñoz Group has unveiled a new, season-extending satsuma.

    The new Belalate satsuma is an ultra late variant of the Owari satsuma variety.

    It was discovered by Spanish grower Pepe Beltran whilst walking through his farm in Valencia, and has been developed in conjunction with leading varietal specialist company Citrus Genesis.

    As the fruit arrives some three to four weeks later than the traditional Owari variety, it will extend the season delivering the same attributes which have made satsumas such a popular citrus product in the UK.

    The fruit has a rich orange colour, sweet flavour, is very easy to peel and totally seedless. As it develops later on the tree, the benefits are that the skin is thicker and firmer; it does not require degreening therefore giving a stronger and fresher product with a longer shelf life for the customer.

    David Alba, director of Citrus Genesis, said: “This new variety of satsuma represents a significant breakthrough for growers, retailers and customers alike. There have historically been gaps in the satsuma supply in both January and February and mid-July to mid-September.

    “Belalate will, once established volumes are in production worldwide, provide an all-year-round supply. It’s a first for true satsumas which are held in high regard by the British public.”

    The Belalate satsuma will only be available in Tesco and M&S.

    Muñoz delivers new season-extending satsuma

    Retailer set to build 10,000 sq ft temporary store in carpark of flooded superstore, while Cumbria recovers from severe floods

    Tesco is building a temporary store in the carpark of its flooded Carlisle superstore while the region continues to recover from devastating floods.

    The retailer said work on the 10,000 sq ft temporary building should be completed by next Friday (18th December), local paper The News and Star reported, and will have standard store opening times.

    All other Tesco stores across the county are open as normal, with the supermarket helping to provide free clean water and distribute ‘cages’ of supplies to those affected by floods. Cumbrian wholesaler A Stephenson has also been donating vegetable to the local town hall, which has been made into soup and offered to the community.

    Tesco store director Shirley Turnbull told The News and Star: “I know that in the aftermath of something like this as the community starts to recover, it’s often simple things like somewhere to find basic supplies that can provide a little help.”

    The news comes as Defra has released support packages of up to £20,000 for farmers who have been affected by Storm Desmond, to help restore damaged agricultural land.

    Support funding is applicable for issues including restoring productive grassland or horticultural land, restoring farm vehicle access or repairing agricultural drainage.

    Farming minster George Eustice also announced that the Rural Payments Agency will not carry out inspections in the flooded areas and increase flexibility when inspecting those affected.

    He said: “We understand flooding can have serious consequences for farmers and we want to provide practical support to those affected by last weekend’s unprecedented rainfall in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

    “The new Farming Recovery Fund will help to cover farmers’ short-term uninsured recovery costs, such as repairing damaged soils, tracks and flood channels. We will pay out on all eligible applications and we hope it will offer some relief at this challenging time.”

    More rain is forecasted for the Cumbria and North Lancashire regions this weekend, with 13 flood warnings in place.

    Tesco to build temporary store in flooded Carlisle

    Our client is one of the largest suppliers to UK retail of food manufacturing. The role of the Materials Buyer is to primarily support internal departments in particular production and the materials warehouse, ensuring day to day stock levels are adequate to meet production orders.

    The food industry is expected to benefit from a move to promote professional standards in pest control. 

    This week, two companies that focus on pest control services became the first in the UK to be accredited against a benchmark of quality recognised across Europe. 

    Both companies are associated with the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). The trade body is now encouraging its 450-plus servicing members to follow suit. 

    “The European Standard for Pest Management Services, EN16636, was developed by the pest control industry to act as a demonstration of professional credentials,” said Simon Forrester, chief executive for BPCA. 

    “We know of many pest controllers who are untrained and do not stay up-to-date with the latest products, techniques and legislation – and that can create big problems. 

    “But this will demonstrate our members are on a level playing field with the best pest management companies in the world and will mean that, by employing members of the BPCA, food professionals can be totally confident of a professional service.” 

    West Yorkshire’s Premier Pest Control was named as the first company in the UK to be measured against the standard earlier this week, whilst Ecolab Pest Elimination was awarded with the first certificate. 

    The Confederation of European Pest Management Associations (CEPA) launched the initiative earlier this year. Its purpose is to identify the best practices and assures customers that BPCA’s member companies are fully qualified to deal with pesticide issues. 

    It aims to portray a positive image of the pest management industry regarding public health, food safety and environmental significance. 

    As of January, all member companies will be working towards the standard, with all expecting to pass the audit by the deadline of June 2017.  

    “It’s important to recognise that this is not just a box-ticking exercise,” added Forrester.  

    “Our members will each be independently assessed by Bureau Veritas, a global certification body – we are the only UK organisation that does this.”  

    However, Forrester recognised that there could be challenges facing the scheme: “The danger is that internal audits by trade bodies are potentially weakened by pressure to allow companies to pass, which we know happens in other associations. By using a third-party verification, clients can be sure our audits are legitimate and every BPCA member company is held to the same high standard.”  

    The complete structure of the company will have to ensure that everything from its working practices and training to its ethos and values are aligned to the correct standards. 

    “Those who don’t meet the criteria at the moment will be offered all the help and support they need to get there,” Forrester added. 

    “This is a move which sends out a strong message that when people use BPCA members, they can have peace of mind that the job will be done properly. We want the BPCA to remain the mark of professionalism in UK pest management, and for clients to know to look for our logo every time they select a pest management company.”  

    Food companies encouraged to make the most of pest control services

    More than 60 cases of food collected as part of the Neighbourhood Food Collection initiative in Newmarket

    A team from AMT Fruit mucked in with Tesco staff to collect food donations from customers for charity.

    The AMT Fruit volunteers were on hand at Tesco Extra Newmarket collecting food donations from customers on Thursday and Friday in the first week of December.

    Shoppers were extremely generous, and more than 60 cases of food were collected as part of the Neighbourhood Food Collection initiative.

    Run by Tesco with partner charities FareShare and The Trussell Trust, the initiative, now in its seventh year, aims to provide at least five million meals to people in need this winter.

    AMT Fruit, as part of Tescoʼs drive to reduce food waste, has been working with FareShare on an ongoing basis, supplying surplus stock of citrus, grapes and melons to their many charities supported across the UK.

    This surplus food is combined with the food donated during the Neighbourhood Food Collection and redistributed to charities and community projects who transform it into nutritious meals for their beneficiaries.

    Last year, FareShare redistributed enough food for 16.6 million meals to 2,135 charities and community projects.

    AMT Fruit mucks in with Tesco to collect food donations

    With Christmas around the corner, Scottish butchers are bracing for their busiest time of the year.

    Getting into the spirit of giving, a number of butchers’ shops across the UK are helping to raise money for two children’s charities. 

    “There is always such an excitement in the shop at this time of year as we help people get ready for Christmas – and we thrive on it,” said Mike Forsyth of Forsyths Butchers and Bakers in Peebles. 

    Customers have the option of buying the ‘Round the Table’ charity cookbook, produced by Quality Meat Scotland. 

    All the proceeds of sales go to Children 1st and CHAS [Children’s Hospice Association Scotland]. 

    Forsyths is one of approximately 300 butchers’ shops that are members of the Scotch Butchers Club. The club aims to promote meat provenance, encompassing Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork 

    “Our team is also ready and willing to help with advice and ideas for customers seeking some inspiration about what to cook and we can also help with some tips on how to make delicious meals with leftover meat – helping to make their Christmas spend go further.” 

    Topping the Christmas favourite at Forsyths is Scotch Beef sirloin roasts and Scotch Lamb meatballs.  

    Scotch Butchers Club embraces the Christmas spirit
    Submit Your CV