Sylvia Halkerston, HR director of Macphie of Glenbervie and chair of the Scotland Food & Drink Skills Academy, has called for action to ensure that skills, employees and products are of world class standard in today’s baking industry. Speaking at the Scottish Bakers conference last month, she said: "Our aims must be to safeguard craft skills and raise awareness of different product innovation, plant technologies and leadership skills."

She pointed to her Academy’s scheme, launched last November, which looks at ways to obtain funding support for training. "For some courses, participating firms may be asked to provide only 50% or more, depending on the initiatives being funded. The end result is well trained staff and low staff turnover something the whole industry must strive for."

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