Food Industry Recruitment: Connect Appointments supporting every step of the process

With a friendly, approachable, and professional team of specialist consultants, Connect Appointments ensures the highest possible level of service for employers and great prospects for jobseekers.

Our commitment to quality, flexibility, and understanding the unique needs of recruitment for the food industry allows us to stand out in the recruitment industry. By building long-lasting partnerships, we’ve helped businesses across the food industry, find tailored staffing solutions.

See what some of our valued clients across the food industry have to say about their experiences working with us….

BUILDING YOUR TEAM

Great teams are the foundation of every successful business. Whether you’re scaling up for a seasonal rush, launching a new product line, or optimising your operations, our tailored recruitment solutions are here to help. Let us take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on what you do best.

Connect with Connect Appointments today and discover how we can support your success in the food industry.

At Connect Appointments, we understand the fast-moving nature of the food industry, requiring teams that are reliable, skilled and flexible. Whether you’re navigating seasonal demands, expanding your operations, or managing high-volume projects, having the right people in place is key to delivering results.

With over six decades of recruitment expertise, Connect Appointments has built lasting relationships with businesses across the UK, earning a reputation for providing first-class staffing solutions designed to meet the unique demands of the food industry.

Our mission is simple: to meet our client’s needs. We pride ourselves on understanding your specific challenges and opportunities. By doing so, we position ourselves as more than just a recruitment agency – we become a trusted partner in your success.

OUR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Food production is one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic sectors, providing goods to households and businesses worldwide. The fast-paced industry demands a workforce that can adapt to shifting requirements while consistently meeting high standards – that’s where we come in.

At Connect Appointments, we take pride in connecting businesses like yours with skilled and reliable talent. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of supporting some of the biggest names in the food industry, including McGhee’s Bakery, Nairn’s Oatcakes, and Malcolm Allan. These partnerships have allowed us to refine our approach and gain a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this vibrant sector. On the following pages, you’ll discover testimonials and case studies that showcase our track record of success and what it’s like to work with us.

Our expertise spans a broad range of roles essential to the food industry, such as:

This diverse experience allows us to provide staffing solutions designed to meet the specific demands of your business. We understand the importance of maintaining compliance with regulatory standards (we are fully GLAA compliant), meeting tight production schedules, and ensuring seamless integration between teams.

LET’S BUILD YOUR TEAM

Great teams are the foundation of every successful business. Whether you’re scaling up for a seasonal rush, launching a new product line, or optimising your operations, our tailored recruitment solutions are here to help. Let us take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on what you do best.

Connect with us today and discover how we can support your success with our food industry recruitment solutions.

Connect Appointments Leads the Way for Candidate Engagement Across Scotland

Ranked again among the most popular employers in Scotland on Indeed – and the top-performing recruitment agency nationwide.

For yet another month running, Connect Appointments has been ranked as one of the most popular employers in Scotland for candidate interaction on Indeed – and the top-performing recruitment agency across all job sectors and all regions.

This isn’t a one-off achievement. Month after month, we continue to appear alongside some of the country’s largest employers – including NHS Scotland, major universities, and local authorities.

Why? Because we understand how to connect the right people to the right opportunities – fast, effectively, and at scale.

Why Employers Choose Connect Appointments

With reach across Scotland and beyond, our visibility on Indeed is just one of many reasons why businesses partner with us to solve their recruitment needs. Here’s what sets us apart:

✅ Unmatched Candidate Reach
Our job ads consistently generate high click-through rates, driven by smart listings, targeted promotion, and strong branding across the UK’s busiest job platforms.

✅ Trusted by Jobseekers
We’re not just filling roles – we’re attracting active, engaged candidates who trust our name and apply in their thousands each month.

✅ Results Across All Sectors
From manufacturing and logistics to engineering, driving, and professional roles, our recruitment experience spans industries and locations.

✅ Proven Track Record
We consistently outperform expectations, attracting thousands of jobseekers across the country – proof that our approach to recruitment delivers results that stand out.

Thinking About Hiring?

At Connect Appointments, we pride ourselves on delivering recruitment solutions that are as personal as they are professional. Supported by a strong national branch network, we’re well-placed to support businesses and jobseekers across the country.

We understand that recruitment isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why our local teams work closely with clients and candidates to offer tailored support – because the needs of a manufacturing company in Livingston can be very different from a transport firm in Sunderland.

A National Recruitment Agency You Can Rely On

Whether you’re looking for a recruitment partner who understands your local market or you need national coverage with consistent service levels, Connect Appointments is here to help.

From April 1st, 2025, the UK’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates are set to increase, bringing positive changes for workers and important considerations for employers. At Connect Appointments, we understand how these changes can impact both businesses and employees, and we’re here to help you navigate these changes as smoothly as possible.

What’s Changing?

The key changes coming into effect from April 1st, 2025, include:

• The National Living Wage will increase from £11.44 per hour to £12.21 per hour – for those aged 21 and over.
• The National Minimum Wage will increase from £8.60 to £10 per hour, for those aged 18 to 20. And increase from £6.40 to £7.55 per hour, for those under 18 years old.
• Apprentices will also see increases in line with the government’s goal of ensuring fair pay and supporting the cost of living – increasing from £6.40 to £7.55 per hour.

These increases reflect the government’s commitment to improving pay conditions across the UK and ensuring that workers are fairly compensated. For employers, this means adjusting payroll and budgeting to accommodate higher wage costs.

Impact on Employers

For businesses, the increase in minimum wage brings both challenges and opportunities:

Increased Labour Costs: Higher wages mean higher overall costs for staffing. This may require businesses to review their budgets and make strategic adjustments.

Improved Staff Retention: Higher wages can boost employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. A motivated and fairly paid workforce tends to be more engaged and committed.

Compliance and Payroll Adjustments: It’s essential for employers to update their payroll systems and ensure they are compliant with the new rates to avoid penalties and maintain positive employee relations.

Impact on Workers

For employees, the increase is welcome news. Higher wages will help offset rising living costs and provide greater financial stability. This could lead to improved morale and better performance at work.

How Connect Appointments Can Help?

At Connect Appointments, we work closely with businesses and workers to ensure smooth transitions during wage adjustments. Whether you’re looking to manage increased staffing costs or seeking new talent in line with the latest wage structures, we’re here to support you.

Our team can help you:
✔️ Adjust staffing plans to manage wage increases effectively
✔️ Attract and retain top talent with competitive pay packages
✔️ Stay compliant with the latest employment regulations

If you need guidance on how the new minimum wage changes will affect your business or your career, reach out to Connect Appointments today. We’re here to make the process easier for you.

At Connect Appointments, we understand the fast-moving nature of the drinks industry, requiring teams that are reliable, skilled and flexible. Whether you’re navigating seasonal demands, expanding your operations, or managing high-volume projects, having the right people in place is key to delivering results

With over six decades of recruitment expertise, Connect Appointments has built lasting relationships with businesses across the UK, earning a reputation for providing first-class staffing solutions designed to meet the unique demands of the drinks industry.

Our mission is simple: to meet our client’s needs. We pride ourselves on understanding your specific challenges and opportunities. By doing so, we position ourselves as more than just a recruitment agency – we become a trusted partner in your success.

OUR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES

We offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the demands of the drinks industry:

Temporary Staffing: Ideal for daily operations and peak production periods, we ensure you have the right team in place when you need them.

Specialist Recruitment: For skilled and permanent roles, our targeted approach connects you with reliable talent that drives success.

End-to-End Recruitment: From job posting and candidate screening to onboarding and compliance checks, we handle the entire recruitment process, allowing you to focus on what you do best.

With our expertise and resources, you benefit from a seamless recruitment process that’s flexible, efficient and focused on delivering results for you.

OUR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Drinks production is one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic industries, providing goods to households and businesses worldwide. The fast-pace of the drinks industry demands a workforce that can adapt to shifting requirements while consistently meeting high standards – that’s where we come in.

At Connect Appointments, we take pride in connecting businesses like yours with skilled and reliable talent. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of supporting some of the biggest names in the drinks industry, including Whyte & Mackay, Broxburn Bottlers, West Rock, and Angus Dundee. These partnerships have allowed us to refine our approach and gain a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this vibrant sector.

Our expertise spans a broad range of roles essential to the drinks industry, such as:

• Picker Packers
• Forklift Drivers
• Machine Operators
• Specialist Re-work Operatives
• Production Operatives
• Quality Controllers
• Team Leaders
• Cask Handlers
• And More!

This diverse experience allows us to provide staffing solutions designed to meet the specific demands of your business. We understand the importance of maintaining compliance with regulatory standards (we are fully GLAA compliant), meeting tight production schedules, guaranteeing quality standards and ensuring seamless integration between teams.

WHY CHOOSE CONNECT APPOINTMENTS?

Choosing the right recruitment partner is critical to the success of your business. Here’s a few reasons why Connect Appointments stands out from other recruitment agencies.

A Legacy of Excellence: With over 60 years of experience, we’ve built a legacy of trust, reliability, and results. Our extensive industry knowledge and recruitment expertise, ensure we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses within the drinks industry.

Local Expertise, National Reach: While we operate nationally, our local teams bring a deep understanding of regional challenges and opportunities. This combination of local insight and national resources, allows us to provide tailored solutions that meet your needs.

Passionate Team: Our dedicated teams are passionate about helping your business thrive. We take the time to understand your goals and work tirelessly to connect you with the right talent.

Proven Track Record: Our partnerships with leading businesses speak for itself. From distilleries like Bruichladdich and Benriach, to bottling halls and packaging facilities like Broxburn Bottlers and West Rock, we consistently deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Flexible and Responsive: We understand that the drinks industry can be very fluid. That’s why we prioritise flexibility and responsiveness, ensuring we’re always ready to adapt to your changing needs.

BUILDING YOUR TEAM

Great teams are the foundation of every successful business. Whether you’re scaling up for a seasonal rush, launching a new product line, or optimising your operations, our tailored recruitment solutions are here to help. Let us take the stress out of hiring so you can focus on what you do best.

Connect with us today and discover how we can support your success in the drinks industry.

Since 2015 Connect Driver Solutions has been in the fast lane of the UK’s thriving recruitment industry. What can we do for you?

The transport industry is burgeoning, and one of the leading names in recruitment within the sector is our specialist driving division: Connect Driver Solutions (CDS). Launching as a single branch in Scotland, CDS has grown and extended into a UK-wide, multi-branch network.

If you are looking for your next career challenge or you are in search of talented staff, CDS match the best candidates to positions across Scotland and England.

Continually, companies across the UK are looking for staff to get their services or products from A to B in the fastest, most efficient, and reliable way possible.

Our team are the driving force of CDS and recruitment in this sector.

EXPERIENCE

Under the directorship of William Sim, the agency matches reliable, hardworking driving staff with transport and logistics organisations across the UK.

Our team at CDS utilise their knowledge, skills and expertise on a daily basis to create and maintain exciting partnerships between jobseekers and recruiters. This experience and respectability within the sector is why organisations continually come to CDS for their staffing needs, which benefits you as a job seeker.

William and his team of specialist recruitment consultants are based in offices throughout the country, recruiting drivers to work with respected employers in both permanent and temporary roles. Only candidates with the relevant skills and experience are put forward for the variety of vacancies the team has to offer.

EXPERTISE

CDS is here to help you move your career up a gear or drive your business forward with the best drivers the UK has to offer. With a strong database of LGV drivers, multi-drop van drivers, and more, we have an abundance of candidates keen to develop their careers.

Our expertise means we know how difficult it can be to find good drivers. At CDS we have a focus on first class customer service, professionalism and creating good working relationships – that’s what sets us apart.

We pride ourselves on providing ethical, honest and service-driven solutions to meet your recruitment needs. We have earned our great reputation in the industry, we are one of the few recruitment companies to hold a Transport Companies operator’s licence.

As an organisation, we understand you have strict deadlines to meet and require hard working staff to help you meet this quota. CDS also offers specialist training to help recruiters ensure that your workforce is in line with industry standards.

To find out about the opportunities available through Connect Driver Solutions, visit Connect Driver Solutions or email info@connectdriversolutions.co.uk

FOR CANDIDATES

Why should I use a recruitment agency? Here at Connect Appointments’ our specialist consultants are a phone call away from finding your next job opportunity. We find out why you should connect with us to save time and get expert info during your job search.

SAVES YOU TIME

Spending night after night scrolling through job sites can feel like a full-time job in itself. At Connect Appointments we know that searching for an appropriate role to apply for is tough. When you look for a job through us we do all the work for you. Once you have registered we’ll get in touch any time a suitable vacancy comes up.

WE’LL GIVE YOU INSIDER INFO

When you apply for one of our jobs we will talk you through the whole process. As our consultants conduct any potential job interviews, you can be safe in the knowledge that an experienced interviewer is handling your responses. That valuable intel could give you the edge above those applying directly.

WE’LL KEEP YOUR SKILLS IN MIND

If you apply directly to a company you will only be considered for that job. When you apply through Connect Appointments we will keep you in mind for other vacancies that meet your individual skill set. Essentially, your CV will get more exposure.

WE’LL GET TO KNOW YOU

We build a professional relationship with the men and women within our workforce. The people we know, and who have a great reputation with our clients, are always at the top of our list for further work. Knowing your skill set inside and out also means we know what positions will suit you.

WE’LL DO IT FOR FREE

Not only do we save you valuable time – everything we do for our candidates is free. There’s no catch – coaching you through the process, submitting your CV, contacting you about jobs, and offering you advice and information won’t cost you a penny.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Get connected and get employed with the assistance of our expert team. If you’re on the hunt for permanent and temporary work, get in touch with your nearest Connect Appointments branch.

FOR CLIENTS

We go above and beyond the average recruitment agency. With experience matching thousands of candidates with industry leaders annually: we know what your company needs in a recruitment agency.

WE ARE EXPERTS

At Connect Appointments our recruitment consultants specialise in one or more industries, so you can feel secure knowing we understand what you need in your staff. We won’t send you just anyone for consideration – we know the ins and outs of the business, jobs, and the skills and qualifications required.

WE CARRY OUT ALL PRE-HIRING CHECKS

From gathering references to making sure candidates are eligible to work in the UK, any job-specific tests and checks that your industry requires are carried out by us. For manual jobs, we carry out drink and drug testing on your behalf. We’ll even conduct candidate interviews to make the process fuss free.

WE DO THE TEDIOUS WORK FOR YOU

We take the work out of recruiting and vet all CVs, only presenting you with candidates that are right for the job. We’ll do our best to work to your timescale and requirements to find the perfect person for the role.

WE’LL DEAL WITH CANDIDATES’ QUESTIONS

After you advertise a job there’s no doubt you will have a handful of questions. When we recruit on your behalf we’ll deal with any questions you have, leaving you more time to make the phone calls that really matter.

WE ARE AFFORDABLE

We know that cost is a worry when companies are approached by recruitment firms. At Connect Appointments our professional consultants will work with you to agree on a suitable arrangement that meets your budget and recruitment needs. As well as sourcing candidates from our extensive database, we will advertise the job for you across multiple platforms – it saves you money and provides you with more candidates.

GET IN TOUCH If you’re looking for staffing solutions, it’s time to get connected with our experienced recruitment consultants. Contact your nearest branch HERE.

As a recruitment agency, we see a lot of CV’s. While the content and experience on each CV varies, there are certain skills that can help set a candidate apart from the competition. In this post, we’ll cover the top 10 skills your CV can benefit from, and why they’re important.

Communication Skills

Communication is a key skill in any industry. Whether it’s verbal or written communication, being able to clearly and effectively express ideas and information is essential for success. Make sure to highlight any experience you have in public speaking, writing, or presenting.

Leadership Skills

Strong leadership skills are highly sought after in many industries. If you’ve managed a team or led a project, make sure to highlight your leadership experience on your CV.

Problem-Solving Skills

Employers want to hire candidates who can identify and solve problems. If you have experience in analysing data, developing solutions, or improving processes, make sure to highlight it on your CV.

Time Management Skills

In any job, it’s important to be able to manage your time effectively. If you have experience in meeting deadlines, prioritising tasks, or working on multiple projects simultaneously, make sure to highlight this on your CV.

Creativity

Creativity is a valuable skill, particularly in fields like marketing, design, and content creation. If you’ve worked on any creative projects, make sure to highlight your experience and provide examples.

Technical Skills

Depending on your industry, having technical skills can be a huge asset. Whether it’s proficiency in a certain software, programming language, or equipment, make sure to list any relevant skills on your CV.

Customer Service Skills

In any job that involves interacting with customers or clients, having strong customer service skills is essential. In you’ve worked in a customer-facing role, make sure to highlight your experience and any positive feedback you’ve received from customers.

Adaptability

In today’s fast-paced business world, being able to adapt to change is a key skill. If you’ve been able to successfully navigate change in your previous role, make sure to highlight your adaptability on your CV.

Teamwork

Being able to work effectively as part of a team is a valuable skill in any industry. If you’ve worked on a team project or collaborated with others, make sure to highlight your experience and provide examples of your contributions.

Attention to Detail

Finally, attention to detail is a skill that is highly valued in many industries. Whether it’s in proofreading, data analysis, or quality control, make sure to highlight your attention to detail on your CV.

By highlighting these top 10 skills on your CV, you can help set yourself apart from other candidates and make a strong impression on potential employers. Good luck with your job search!

At Connect Appointments we’re continually expanding our range of bespoke services that cater to the unique needs of our clients, ensuring that we source the best candidates. Here’s what sets us apart from other recruitment agencies.

BESPOKE TAILORED ADVERTS

Our dedicated team of experienced staff create adverts for your vacancies based on the latest hiring insights and industry knowledge, ensuring its tailored to attract the best candidates for the job.

IN-HOUSE DESIGN AND MARKETING TEAMS

Working in partnership, our in-house design and marketing teams create, edit, and optimise a variety of creative content that appeals to candidates. This includes eye[1]catching adverts, engaging social media content, and effective email and text campaigns that generate higher conversion rates and lead generation.

IN-HOUSE PAYROLL DEPARTMENT

Take the hassle out of payroll administration, our in-house payroll department ensures workers are paid correctly and on time.

JOB BOARDS AND CV DATABASES

An extensive network of job boards and CV databases ensures that your vacancy is seen by a vast pool of candidates, increasing your chances of finding the right person for the job.

SPECIALISED DIVISIONS AND BRANCH NETWORK

With specialised divisions covering the UK’s largest industries and a national branch network, Connect Appointments can provide targeted recruitment solutions for companies across a wide range of sectors and locations. Whether you need temporary staffing, permanent placements or a contract service, Connect Appointments is here to help.

SOCIAL MEDIA

We will highlight your vacancy across our social media channels, reaching an expanding monthly audience of 100K+. Whilst promoting your vacancy in the most active and relevant job search groups online, reaching a candidate pool of more than 200,000.

ACCREDITED AND LEADING RECRUITMENT SOFTWARE

We’re members of industry leading accreditation bodies, such as: The REC, GLAA, Stronger Together, working in partnership to guarantee the best service to candidates and clients.

SALARY BENCHMARKING AND HIRING CHECKS

Unsure about your salary competitiveness? We can survey the job title and area that is relevant to your role and offer constructive feedback. Whilst providing wide[1]ranging hiring checks where candidates are verified and vetted by our HR team, giving you peace of mind that you’re hiring the right person for your company.