21 January 2014

Could your food business manage a crisis?

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Food and drink producers can test their preparedness for a crisis at an upcoming event, 'Crisis Management in the Food Industry', to be held on 6 March in London. At this Food and Drink Federation (FDF) event, delegates will hear from leading experts in risk assessment, rapid response and reputation management, how to strengthen their crisis management strategies.

Through a series of short expert talks, attendees will receive essential guidance on how incidents unfold and on the necessary action to safeguard their businesses and maintain consumer confidence during and after a crisis.

The audience will then witness a simulated incident live on stage and gain an insight into crisis management strategy, and the roles of the different players involved. During this simulation, the expert panel will comment on the best course of action at every step of an unfolding crisis.

Confirmed event speakers include:

• Stephen Humphreys – Director of Communications, Food Standards Agency
• Paul Dobson – Central Technical Director, Premier Foods
• Keith Beech – Director, Nexus Communications
• Richard Matthews – Partner, Eversheds LLP
• David Gregory – Risk Management Executive, Willis

Barbara Gallani, Director of Regulation, Science Health at FDF, said: “Any supply chain, no matter how simple or complex, can present risks that need to be adequately managed. In case of a crisis, whether caused by error, malice or misfortune, an effective and well planned response will enhance trust in your brand rather than damaging it. Attending this event will give industry professionals a checklist of what they must consider in order to protect their businesses and customers in a crisis.”

Note for editors

1. The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the voice of the food and drink manufacturing industry – the UK's largest manufacturing sector.
2. Event details: Date: 6 March 2014 (10:00am – 2:30pm) Venue: CCT Venues, Barbican, London Price: Early bird rates £250+VAT FDF members; £300+VAT non-members After 1st February 2014 prices will increase to £300+VAT and £350+VAT respectively. Register here
3. The Food Standards Agency is an independent government department responsible for food safety and hygiene across the UK. It works with businesses to help them produce safe food, and with local authorities to enforce food safety regulations.
4. Premier Foods is a one of Britain's largest branded food producers.
5. CORE Management is a part of the Nexus Communications Group and has led organisations through some of the most high profile crises.
6. Eversheds LLP is one of the world's largest corporate law firms
7. Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker.

More information

Anna Taylor on 020 7420 7118 Email: Anna.Taylor@fdf.org.uk

Helena O'Neill on 020 7420 7140 Email: Helena.ONeill@fdf.org.uk

Avni Raval on 020 7420 7131 Email: Avni.Raval@fdf.org.uk

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