Bring on the green shoots...

                                        

As I type this we are in the midst of what should be the perfect conditions for increased usage of Interim Managers in the food industry. The sun is in the sky and we are midway through a great summer of sport, including the Lions, Ashes and the Tour De France. 

All the ingredients (pardon the pun) are there for increased consumer demand and spending in the grocery sector – we know this from 2006 when Interim usage spiked during the summer. There was not only an increase in usage from meat producers but also associated companies such as fresh produce, ingredients and sauces. There was also a feel-good factor amongst manufacturers and grocers alike and which resulted in more investment in NPD, new sites, more lines.

 

It is too early to tell if we are going to have this kind of summer this year, although initial signs say probably not, but there may well be gradual growth rather than a spike. We have certainly had more enquiries recently and our sister company has seen a lot more activity in the permanent recruitment side.  More activity in permanent generally tends to have an impact on Interim usage – in fact any movement in general is very good.

 

So, without sitting on the fence, I do feel that there are green shoots of recovery in the air and I do believe that the food/FMCG industry probably bottomed in January 2009 – my prediction is for a steady climb now and a steady increase in usage over the next few months.

 

Scott Hutchinson, MD