FBDC Sponser Q Awards 2018

This year FBDC were honoured to be invited to sponsor the Q awards. We were heavily involved prior to the awards evening and met with many of the shortlisted candidates for the Small Producer Award offering them free workshops and advice.  We were also delighted that our very own James Kingham was nominated for the UK Food Hero Quality Food Award 2018… unfortunately he was pipped to the post by someone else but he remains our hero!

Q Awards

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Exciting Job Opportunity

Technical Assistant

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This is an excellent opportunity to develop a better understanding of development and manufacturing across a broad range of food and beverage categories.

A food related degree is essential for the role of Technical Assistant, some work experience in the industry would be beneficial but is not essential.

 

The role is based in our office in St Albans, Hertfordshire, car is essential.

 

Job Purpose:

 

  • Support the day-to-day operation of the project.
  •  The Technical Assistant will be involved in all aspects of the NPD process, supporting projects to create and manage innovative products from initial concept, through to launch.
  • You will be working as part of the quality assurance and product specifications team.
  • Assisting in the retail customers Quality Management System
  • Communication with suppliers both verbally and electronically
  • Support other members of the team to achieve timelines
  • Keep project trackers up to date on a weekly basis

 

 

Job Responsibilities:

 

  • To prepare, set up and manage projects.
  • Provide administrative support to the team and to follow the development process
  • Prepare and set up benchmarking tasting sessions and write up of reports
  • To ensure agreed actions are followed up
  • Product reheat verifications as required
  • Set up and manage the shelf-life/tasting sessions and document

 

 

Experience:

 

  • Self motivated and organised
  • Valid driving licence and own vehicle
  • Computer literate including Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
  • Ability to work within a small team
  • Ability to work to several deadlines at one time
  • Flexibility to work to customer deadlines
  • Have an interest/passion in eating all types of food

 

Salary: Competitive

Start date: ASAP

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Vineyard Christmas Meal

Over eight years ago The Vineyard Church in St Albans launched FEED, a local community food bank, which has grown to become one of the largest in the county. With this, they also hold an annual Christmas Meal to be held on Christmas Day, to give an opportunity for those less fortunate to enjoy the festive season. For 2017, FBDC were thrilled to work alongside such a great event, to assist in the best Vineyard Christmas yet.

Susan Pieterse, founder of FBDC, was at the forefront of food planning with the help of the chefs & volunteers from Vineyard. FBDC and local business Smoke House Deli combined efforts to produce, prepare and cook the feast with final touches put together at the Church, where the event took place. One of the largest events to date with a full capacity of 250 RSVPs, from all walks of life; whether it’s a struggling family or someone elderly not wanting to be lonely this winter. So, with all these people in need, it meant all hands-on deck to let the feast go off without a hitch.

The Vineyard pulled together around 40 volunteers in total; from the FBDC team and the St Albans community to support, aid and donate towards the big day.

The day was an absolute success with all the support, love and generosity of everyone involved. Barbie, a member of the Church stated, “Gigantic congratulations to the entire Kitchen Department, who obviously put in a lot of effort into the meal. Everything about the entire day was perfect!”.

Along with a lavish Christmas meal, it was accompanied by a selection of entertainment including; a cinema room for festive films, music and games for all ages to enjoy. Finally, the day ended with the distribution of gifts and goodie-bags for everyone to further continue in the festive spirit.

With responses from a family of guests, “Thank you for such a wonderful Christmas, I can’t remember the last time I had such a lovely day… it was wonderful beyond words”, you know that you have brought people happiness and made their Christmas.

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