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WORD FROM THE BFBi
Looking forward to seeing you Ruth Evans MBE
Photo by Gerardo Jaconelli
Will things ever return to some form of normal? Will we ever have an idea of what is happening beyond a week from today? As a membership and eventsbased organisation, the past 18 months have been beyond challenging and it is only due to the loyalty of our members and industry that we are still here.
How long can we all hold on? We have all pivoted so much we are dizzy; those who have been on furlough are frustrated at not being able to contribute and hoping that their jobs are still there; those who have worked throughout the pandemic are mentally exhausted.
With Government financial support coming to an end, how long will it be before industry is expected to repay the hole in the Chancellor’s coffers? Will we be able to tap into the new Government agenda of “Build Back Better” or the 10 point plan for a “Green Industrial Revolution”? I don’t know the answer to those questions and assume that Government will be wanting its money back sooner rather than later. One thing I do know is that
our industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic but also has proven itself to be one of the most resilient. Another thing I know is that, in general, our industry is the most supportive, collaborative and engaged.
I truly believe that sharing experiences and knowledge makes us stronger and I cannot wait to meet up face-to-face at the events we and other industry bodies are looking forward to organising. It is at these events, whether they be social or professional, that we meet new people, exchange thoughts, cement ideas, build long-lasting relationships.
It is tempting to remain in a Zoom/Teams world. It saves time and money BUT virtual meetings do not replace the trust and loyalty developed via face-to-face meetings. Body language, eye contact and tone of voice can be misunderstood in a virtual meeting. And, at the end of the day, you cannot truly share a beer/G&T/whatever your
BFBi annual Trade Directory 2021/2 issue soon! The most authoritative directory of the UK food & drinks market available
The directory is free-of-charge to all drinks manufacturers and BFBi members
For details of how to obtain a copy, please contact
admin@bfbi.org.uk
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favourite tipple is, across the internet.
So – I hope to see you at our National Lunch in September or our Western Seminar & Lunch in October or our Midland Lunch in November or SIBA’s BeerX in March 2022 or our BevExpo event in June 2022…… In short, I look forward to the normal that is our industry meeting up at one of the many face-to-face events that enable us to share our experiences and knowledge, whilst making new contacts and strengthening existing relationships
Ruth Evans MBE, BFBi C.E.O.
Established in 1907, BFBi’s membership represents the entire value chain supplying the brewing and beverage industry – from seed geneticists through raw materials, brewhouse and process equipment to dispense, point-of-sale and brewers/distillers. The Association’s objective is to be the foremost trade association providing opportunities for its Members to develop within the brewing, food & beverage industry. As well as offering many benefits and services to suppliers of raw materials, process and packaging machinery, dispense and point of sale products, BFBi is a Trade Challenge Partner for various overseas exhibitions and owner and organiser of the oldest international brewing and cider Awards in the world.
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BREWING & BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS • Autumn 2021
