LATEST SOCIAL MEDIA DATA SHOWS FOOD BUSINESSES REMAIN EXPOSED TO SOCIAL MEDIA DANGERS

Businesses in the food industry are leaving themselves exposed to risk when it comes to social media according to the third annual Social Media at Work Survey conducted by specialist food lawyers, Roythornes. 

Members of the Fresh Produce Consortium, The Food and Drink Forum, the British Frozen Food Federation, the Artisan Food Trail and Tastes of Anglia were asked about policies and practices they had adopted in relation to social media use in the workplace.

The 2014 results show that despite the fact that 70% of businesses have some form of presence in social media, an incredible 43% have no policy on how it should be used.

In addition, the survey reveals that the number of firms allowing staff to bring their own devices in to work for professional purposes has increased significantly from 42% in 2012 to 54% this year. This coincides with a slight increase in the number of companies introducing controls over what employees can do on social media channels while in the workplace, however nearly two-thirds of businesses still do not have any controls in place whatsoever.

Peter Bennett, head of the Food and Drink team at Roythornes, said organisations are making themselves more open to reputational damage.

Commenting on the results Mr Bennett said: “The statistics are a little surprising given recent high profile incidents involving social media. The ‘overheard in Waitrose’ Facebook page and the Twitter debacle surrounding Sainsbury’s 50p challenge poster are examples of how social media can pose serious problems for the food industry.

“While both retailers responded quickly and appropriately, these cases evidence a real risk of reputational damage. Food businesses are well advised to take notice and implement policies and practices to deal with such an occurrence.”

The research also indicates that there remains over 30% of businesses who do not monitor their online presence.

Mr Bennett added, “It is surprising to see there are still businesses that do not monitor their presence on digital platforms – reputational damage can still be done whether a business operates a social media account or not.

“We have stated for the last two years and continue to stress that without policies, rules and practices in place, the use of social media in the workplace will continue unmonitored and the consequences could be dire.

Mr Bennett concluded: “Those that have not implemented a policy or are not monitoring their online presence need to consider doing so, as the popularity of social media and the expanding number of channels means that robust, wider reaching policies are now needed.”

For full results and an infographic summarising the main findings please click on one of the links below:

• Social Media at Work 2014 - full results: http://bit.ly/socialmediasurvey2014results 
• Social Media at Work 2014 - infographic: http://bit.ly/socialmediasurveyinfographic

For information on how we can help you draft your social media policy, please take a look at our web site here: http://www.roythorne.co.uk/SocialMediaPolicies/

2nd DECEMBER - WORKSHOP AND FREE SUPPORT FOR YOUR ONLINE MARKETING - HOW YOUR MARKETING WILL BENEFIT FROM BROADBAND

The Business School at the University of Lincoln is looking to produce a series of short case studies on Lincolnshire businesses who have seen a positive return on the use of superfast broadband. 

Talking about it, Chris Heighton, from the University, said: “As part of the OnLincolnshire scheme we want to explore the value of broadband to the Lincolnshire economy, and how can the availability of higher bandwidth along with the innovative use of broadband contribute to business growth and sustainability?”

The research will focus specifically on use of broadband by SME’s (EU Definition) and has two core aims:

1. To produce a series of short case studies demonstrating the effects of increased bandwidth, coupled with business models that make best use of the digital economy.

2. To identify ways in which the economy of Lincolnshire, and individual enterprises can be further developed through digital technologies.

Chris continued: “The project involves collaboration between a group of researchers from the University, a group of exemplary small and medium enterprises, and a wider OnLincolnshire Knowledge Base Forum (OK Forum).

“Approximately 20 Case studies will be produced by collaborations between owner managers of small and medium sized enterprises and the research team. The cases will cover a range of sectors, with firm sizes between 5 and 200 employees.

“The aim is to capture and promote excellent examples of the use of online technologies for business purposes, but also to demonstrate the impact of increased broadband speeds and the challenges of remaining competitive in zero or low-bandwidth areas of the county.

“The SMEs will be encouraged to participate in the wider OK Forum and share intelligence for the Onlincolnshire Knowledgebase. The OK Forum members are people and organisations actively developing or researching the economic and social impact and value of online technologies and the digital economy.

“The Forum comprises small business owners, experts in digital technology and broadband, digital media and marketing and business model design. The Forum will also include people with expertise on the Lincolnshire economy.

“One of the target business sectors for the research is Visitor Economy, so we’d really like to hear from anyone who might fit the above criteria and would be interested in engaging in the research programme?

“There is no direct cost to engage in the programme other than the commitment of staff time to develop collaborative programmes. Potential benefits to SME’s interested in taking part in the programme include opportunities to develop new Business to Education partnerships that have been proven to support growth locally.

“In addition, engaging in the research can also facilitate new ideas, content, develop new relationships with different audiences and access highly specialist expertise and resources. Academic partnerships can inspire great ideas, provide essential insights, increase capacity and strengthen relationships.”

If you would like to take part please email cheighton@lincoln.ac.uk.

See what funded training is available for your business here:

AGRI-TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST IS NEWEST LEP BOARD MEMBER

The leader of an international company in the agricultural technology sector has been appointed to the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership board.

Ian Munnery has been recruited to help drive forward the work of the LEP, a private sector-led organisation which works to create sustainable economic growth in Greater Lincolnshire.

He is General Manager and Director of SESVanderHave UK Ltd based in Wellingore near Lincoln, which is the UK arm of the world’s largest specialist breeder of sugar beet seed.

Ian said: “The Greater Lincolnshire region is an important asset to the agri-food sector and to the UK economy and environment.”

“I am passionate about our county and our agri-food sector because it continues to deliver sustainable and secure food production and processing for much of the UK.”

“I’m looking forward to being involved in the LEP’s plans for the agri-food sector and contributing to the growth of our county’s economy.”

Ian brings over 20 years’ practical agribusiness experience to the board both in the UK and at a European level. In his career he has held a range of technical and commercial roles working with a wide range of arable crops, with a strong focus on research and agri-technology innovation and how this can be leveraged to increase exports, productivity, profits and employment.

After studying for a degree in Botany and Microbiology at Royal Holloway & Bedford College, University of London and a postgraduate diploma in Crop Protection at Harper Adams University, Ian began his career in the early 1990s at Sharpes International Seeds in Sleaford as a combinable crop trader.

He moved to Fishers Seed & Grain, as an area manager in North Lincolnshire before joining the co-operative United Oilseeds, becoming Commercial Manager, where he spent 11 years.

Becoming General Manager of the UK division of SESVanderHave in 2012, he established it as the leading supplier of sugar beet varieties in the UK and at the forefront of agri-tech innovation.

In addition to his business activity, Mr Munnery has served on a number of industry boards, comittees and working groups involved in both technical developments and commercial activities in the agricultural sector.

Ursula Lidbetter MBE, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “We wanted to appoint a food industry leader who would be able to think strategically and take a broad view across the full range of issues affecting Greater Lincolnshire.

“Ian fulfils that requirement, and I’m delighted to welcome him to the LEP board.

“I am certain that Ian’s experience in every facet of the agri-food industry will bring additional strength to the board and benefit the whole region as we continue to develop the economy of Greater Lincolnshire.

“We have ambitious plans for the region as outlined in our recent Strategic Economic Plan and it is vital that we have the expertise to realise these ambitions over the coming years.”