West London Set to Become National Leader in Food and Drink Skills Training
A groundbreaking initiative is poised to reshape workforce development in the Food and Drink Manufacturing (FDM) sector, by creating a new Food and Drink Innovation and Skills Hub to position West London as a leading national centre for industry-focused training and innovation.
Launched today (5 June 2025) by the ambitious Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC), the Hub is supported by outstanding partners including the West London Business, Brunel University, University of West London, The Food and Drink Federation, and Park Royal Business Group, National Skills Academy for Food and Drink.
The new hub will form part of the West London Institute of Technology (WLIoT) – with a goal of equipping the local workforce with cutting-edge skills to meet rapid changes in technology, consumer behaviour, and regulatory demands.
Jo Withers, Chief Business Strategy Officer at HRUC, said: “This exciting new hub will equip West London’s food and drink manufacturing sector to meet future challenges by building skills, expanding apprenticeships, and fostering innovation through collaboration between education and industry.”
The Hub’s core mission includes:
- Building strategic alliances for maximum economic impact
- Supporting lifelong learning and upskilling
- Delivering future-focused, sector-specific training
- Cultivating a diverse and adaptable talent pipeline.
Key recommendations in the accompanying report include strengthening education-industry partnerships, launching specialised apprenticeship programmes, adopting flexible delivery methods like blended learning, and reaching a wider range of learners—from school leavers to adult career changers.
By addressing these needs, the Skills Hub promises to future-proof the region’s workforce and position West London as a leader in FDM education and innovation.
Speaking at the launch, Wilda Haddad, Director at Dina Foods Ltd, said: "The findings in the Report have made it clear: if we are to unlock the full potential of the food and drink sector in West London, we must address the critical skills gap and strengthen collaboration across education, industry, and innovation. I am delighted to support this important initiative.”
Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive, West London Business, said 'The Food and Drink Innovation and Skills Hub will join a network of local, sectoral hubs that enable industry and education under one roof to co-develop training provision and enable knowledge transfer that accelerates the innovation capacity of our region.'
For more information, visit the Food and Drink Skills Hub.
Published 5 June 2025.
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