As we witness the convergence of Brexit-driven market changes and accelerating automation, manufacturers face new challenges in finding and developing the right talent.

A Sector in Transformation

The numbers tell a compelling story: 65% of UK food manufacturers have ramped up their automation investments since 2020. Walk through any modern food production facility, and you'll see the evidence – from sophisticated packaging systems to AI-powered quality control stations. This isn't just about replacing manual tasks; it's about reimagining how we produce food.

What This Means for Your Workforce

The shift towards automation is reshaping traditional roles in fascinating ways. While we're seeing less demand for manual packaging operators and traditional line workers, we're witnessing the rise of exciting new positions. Today's food manufacturing professionals are as likely to be programming robots as operating production lines.

Think of it as an evolution rather than a revolution. The expertise that's served the industry well for decades isn't becoming obsolete – it's being enhanced by technology. Experienced production workers are now becoming digital systems operators, bringing their deep understanding of food production processes to new, technology-driven roles.

The Brexit Factor

The end of free movement has fundamentally altered our talent landscape. UK and Irish manufacturers can no longer easily tap into the European labour market, intensifying competition for skilled workers. This has created an urgent need to develop domestic talent through innovative training programmes and apprenticeships.

A Tale of Two Markets

The challenges play out differently across the UK and Ireland. In Britain's manufacturing heartlands – places like the East Midlands and Yorkshire – we're seeing intense competition for skilled technical workers. Meanwhile, Irish manufacturers face unique challenges, often competing with multinational tech companies for talent while managing the complexities of cross-border operations.

The New Essential Skills

Today's food manufacturing professional needs a broader skill set than ever before. It's not just about understanding production processes anymore – digital literacy, basic programming knowledge, and data interpretation have become fundamental requirements. But perhaps most importantly, adaptability and problem-solving skills are now crucial as technology continues to evolve.

Looking to the Future

The next five years will bring even more changes to our industry. Smart factories are becoming the norm, not the exception. This means we need workers who can seamlessly bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing knowledge and digital expertise.

How We're Making a Difference

At Circle Foods, we understand these changes because we live and breathe them every day. Our team specialises in finding the talent that can drive your business forward in this new era. We're not just filling positions – we're helping companies build workforces that are ready for tomorrow's challenges.

We work closely with manufacturers across the UK and Ireland, understanding their unique needs and challenges. Whether you're looking to build an automation team from scratch or develop your existing talent pool, we can help shape a strategy that works for your business.

Let's Talk About Your Future

Every manufacturing operation is unique, and so are its talent needs. We'd love to hear about your challenges and discuss how we can help you navigate this changing landscape.

Get in touch with our specialist team:
📞 01733 798300

Together, we can build a workforce that's ready for whatever the future brings.

#FoodManufacturing #UKManufacturing #BuiltToWin

The face of UK food manufacturing is changing rapidly, and talent needs are evolving with it. Since 2020, we've seen a 65% increase in automation investment across the sector.

This isn't just changing how we produce food – it's transforming the skills we need on our factory floors. Want to know what this means for your workforce?

We've just published our latest insights on the changing talent landscape in UK and Irish food manufacturing. Ready to discuss your automation journey?



Let's talk.

#FoodManufacturing #UKManufacturing #BuiltToWin