Firms in England’s food and drink sector are planning to create thousands of jobs in the next five years, according to a new study by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
The study, Global Ambitions, surveyed English producers and manufacturers of alcohol, fresh produce and food and drink products; the UK’s largest manufacturing sector.
98 per cent of respondents said they expect to grow over the next five years. The research indicates that food and drink firms will create 66,942 new jobs in England over the next five years.
David Richardson, Regional Director, Head of Manufacturing, Mid Markets at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “The report paints a positive picture for an ambitious industry set to create a huge number of employment opportunities.
Melanie Leech, Director General of the Food and Drink Federation, the organisation that represents UK food and drink manufacturers, said: “If we can foster innovation, create a pipeline of skilled and talented individuals to support the businesses of the future and improve our export performance within a robust industrial strategy, then we can do a lot to sweep away the barriers to growth.”
