GUEST COLUMN:
Andrew Martin
Head of Food, Drink and Agri-tech
AMRC Cymru
Wales offers something truly unique in its approach to supporting the food and drink industry.
As Head of Food, Drink and Agri-tech at AMRC Cymru, I have the privilege of seeing the collaborative environment that makes Wales stand out from the rest of the UK. At the heart of this success is the strong partnership between various organisations and the Welsh Government, working together to provide businesses with the support they need to thrive.
The Food and Drink Wales Industry Board plays a central role in this partnership, acting as a bridge between businesses, government and the wider support network available across the region.
One of the key strengths of the Welsh approach is that businesses aren’t simply passed from one organisation to another in a disjointed way. Instead, we work in true collaboration to identify the specific needs of a company and then direct them to the most appropriate services. Whether a business comes to AMRC Cymru, Food Innovation Wales, or another partner organisation, they’ll be signposted and receive tailored support based on their individual challenges and opportunities.
At AMRC Cymru, we specialise in areas such as innovation, productivity, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Our goal is to offer practical, cost-effective solutions that are easy to understand and implement. For example, we offer a service where we conduct a detailed walkthrough of a business’s facility, examining every aspect of the production process. We look for areas where there might be process waste, ways to increase productivity, or opportunities to adopt new techniques. This holistic approach ensures that businesses receive direct, actionable advice.
What really sets Wales apart, though, is the joint approach we take across the board. If there’s something outside our area of expertise, we don’t hesitate to bring in one of our partners. For example, while we might focus on the engineering aspects of waste reduction, we would collaborate with Food Innovation Wales to look at product formulation and other elements of waste management. It’s this seamless integration of services that ensures businesses receive comprehensive support, addressing all parts of their operation in one cohesive package.
Another crucial element of the support network in Wales is the peer-to-peer learning that we actively encourage. We believe that some of the best business advice comes from talking to other business leaders. That’s why we facilitate opportunities for businesses to learn from each other, sharing experiences and insights that can lead to real improvements. This networked approach not only helps businesses grow but fosters a sense of community and shared success across the sector.
By working together, we’re creating a stronger, more resilient food and drink industry that stands out not just in Wales, but across the UK.
