What food and drink manufacturers worry about most

In this exclusive video interview, we explore the key concerns of manufacturers nationwide in the wake of the historic decision to leave the EU.

Despite the worries, manufacturers remained surprisingly optimistic. “The amazing thing we see, time and time again, is the optimism among those that work in food and drink manufacturing,”​ said Pendrous.

“They’re used to dealing with the slings and arrows of problems that are thrown at them by dealing with demanding retailers. But they remain resilient and adaptable to change.​

‘The sky is not going to fall in’​

“​The sky is not going to fall in; it will continue, and UK the food and drink industry will continue to be successful.”​

But the National Living Wage proved to be less of a worry for manufacturers than could have been expected. Food and drink industry managers were more concerned with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, and the sugar tax, which is due to come into effect in 2018.

“However, with the change of government, who knows whether that will actually come into force,” ​said Pendrous.

One lobby group has predicted that the introduction of the sugar levy was now unlikely​, following the vote to quit the EU.

Meanwhile, read the full results of our industry-wide survey​.