Food Processing magazine and The Food Manufacturing Engineering Group (FMEG) believe it is time to increase the focus on the role engineering plays in the UK food manufacturing industry.

Our first step is to find out what the readers of Food Processing magazine feel are the most important resources needed to help the industry meet the challenges of ‘transforming food production: from farm to fork’ which were set out in the Government’s Industrial Strategy document.

We hope that you will help us with this five-minute information-gathering exercise, to ensure that both Food Processing magazine and FMEG are able to provide you with the right information and insight, delivered in the right way and at the right time.

This survey is not a thinly veiled sales pitch! Its aim is to gather feedback from industry to help FMEG and Food Processing magazine understand how we can help you ensure profitability and success in a tough marketplace.

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* 1. Please rate how much these statements apply to your role/business.

  Strongly disagree Slightly disagree Neither agree or disagree Slightly agree Strongly agree
We find it easy to recruit engineers with the skills we need
We find it easy to access the training needed to keep our existing engineers skills at the required levels
We find it easy to stay up to date with technical innovations and applications that could benefit our operations
We find it easy to stay up to date with Government initiatives aimed at improving the food processing sector
We find it easy to stay up to date with legislation that affects the food processing sector
We find it easy to access academic research bodies in the UK
We find it easy to stay informed on opportunities for funding to support our operations and innovation
We find it easy to identify opportunities for collaboration within the food sector

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* 2. On a scale from 1 to 6, where 1 is not at all and 6 is critically, how important to your business are the following areas?

  1 (not at all important) 2 3 4 5 6 (critically important)
The ability to recruit staff with the skills we need
The ability to access the training needed to keep our existing engineers skills at the required levels
The ability to stay up to date with technical innovations and applications that could benefit our operations
The ability to stay up to date with Government initiatives aimed at improving the food processing sector
The ability to stay up to date with legislation that affects the food processing sector
The ability to access academic research bodies in the UK
The ability to stay informed on opportunities for funding to support our operations and innovation
The ability to identify opportunities for collaboration within the food sector

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* 3. On a scale from 1 to 6, where 1 is not at all and 6 is extremely, how valuable would you find the following functions if they were provided by a membership organisation? 

  1 (not at all valuable) 2 3 4 5 6 (extremely valuable)
Lobbying Government and standards bodies
Standards development
Driving the skills agenda
Sharing best practice
Promoting innovation
Encouraging and supporting access to funding
Identifying, developing and supporting partnerships between industry and academia

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* 4. Is your business currently using Apprenticeships to train and/or recruit engineering staff?

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* 5. Again, on the subject of Apprenticeships, on a scale of 1 to 6, where 1 is none and 6 is full, please rate your levels of awareness/understanding of the following.

  1 (no awareness/understanding at all) 2 3 4 5 6 (full awareness/understanding)
The opportunities presented by Apprenticeships
The Apprenticeship Levy, it’s impacts and opportunities
The scope of Government support surrounding Apprenticeships
The range of Apprenticeship training available to your organisation

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* 6. Is your organisation currently claiming R&D Tax credits to support 
your development activities?

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* 7. To access the information and opportunities you have identified above, which of the following methods would you prefer (tick all that apply)

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* 8. Would you/your business be prepared to join a membership organisation that supported you in the areas important to you?

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* 9. Are there any other areas where you feel the food processing sector is currently under-supported, and a well focused membership organisation could add value to you and your business?

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* 10. To help us review your answers in context, please specify your job function

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* 11. Please also indicate your business activity

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* 12. Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey. If you would like to receive a summary of the findings, please provide your name, company name and email address.

We will not pass your details to a third party. But by providing your contact details you give Food Processing magazine and its owners, IML Group Ltd, your permission to contact you in the future.

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