​If you're in the food manufacturing industry, you already know that September kicks off one of the busiest times of the year. As demand ramps up in preparation for the Christmas season, production schedules get tighter, supply chains get stretched and every hour of labour counts. That’s why August is a golden opportunity to get ahead of the curve and secure the talent you need before peak season hits.

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The Calm Before the Storm

Right now, many businesses are still operating at a slightly slower summer pace. But make no mistake, this won’t last. In just a few weeks, the food manufacturing sector will shift into high gear. From increased retail orders to new product launches, the pressure will be on. Hiring during peak season is not only more stressful, it also limits your access to the best candidates who may already be snapped up by competitors.

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Skilled Candidates Are Looking Now

While summer might feel quiet operationally, it’s actually a time when skilled candidates start looking for new roles. Many take stock of their career path over the summer months and want to make a move before the end of the year. Whether it’s Engineers, Production Managers, Quality Technicians or Maintenance Leads, great people are available but not for long.

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Acting now means you can:

• Access a wider pool of quality candidates

• Onboard and train staff before the busy season

• Avoid last-minute hiring under pressure

• Maintain productivity when it matters most

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Waiting Could Cost You

When you leave recruitment until the last minute, you run the risk of rushed hiring decisions, skill gaps on your production line and unnecessary overtime costs. More importantly, a reactive approach could mean missing critical KPIs during your busiest trading period.

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Starting the hiring process in August gives you a competitive edge. You’ll have time to plan, screen and select the right candidates who can hit the ground running when the demand spikes.

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Let’s Get Ahead Together

At Vickerstock, we specialise in connecting food manufacturing businesses with high-calibre talent across production, quality, engineering and technical functions. We understand the pressures of seasonal demand and we’re ready to help you build a workforce that can thrive under pressure.

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Get in touch today to talk about your hiring needs for Q4 and make sure you’re ready before September hits.