2024 The Year of Sustainable Packaging
So far this year companies have continued to invent new sustainable packaging options for their brands. Take a look at the most recent inventions.
Author: Molly Rush
Marketing Executive
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How to: become an FMCG National Account...
Continue ReadingHow to become an FMCG National Account Manager
Do you want a career change, or have you always wanted to be a national account manager?
We have compiled a guide with answers to popular questions from our top FMCG consultants, Arbrie Hoxha and Rachael Carver.What is a national account manager and what do they do?
An FMCG national account manager (NAM) is a responsible for managing the relationship between the company and its major accounts such as large supermarket chains.
They ensure sales targets are met and to develop strategies that help maintain and grow business relationships.
What qualifications do you need to become a NAM?
Most National Account Managers have a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. The most essential thing is having experience in sales and account management. Arbrie shares with you her 5 top skills she looks for in a NAM…
Strong experience managing a P&L and accurate forecasting.
Strong experience creating joint business plans and negotiating and implementing CPI’s (cost price increases).
Examples of delivering tangible results. How have you unlocked opportunities, saved the business money or driven profitability.
Experience of being customer facing as your role will involve communicating and influencing retailers.
Mix of experience in account management and winning new business.
What are the key responsibilities of an FMCG National Account Manager?
The key responsibilities of a National Account Manager include developing and maintaining relationships with key accounts, negotiating sales and promotions, managing budgets and sales forecasts, and analyzing market trends and data.
What are the biggest trends in the FMCG industry?
Becoming a B corp and a focus on sustainability is huge at the moment.
There is a big push from retailers to drive value to the customer- for example Tesco are doing Aldi price match so FMCG clients are having to show that they are also aligned with driving value. Own label is flying versus branded, particularly as customers are trying to save pennies.
What skills are required to be an FMCG National Account Manager?
To be an effective FMCG National Account Manager, you need strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. You should also have a good understanding of the FMCG industry and be able to analyze data and identify trends.
How much does an FMCG National Account Manager earn?
You can have a look at jobs on our website or use our FMCG Salary Survey to find more. Make sure to sign up to our mailing list to get the first release of the 2023 edition.
What are the most common NAM interview questions?
Our Director – Consumer, Rachael Carver, says it is crucial to prepare answers to these three questions…
Recent Blogs
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In today’s competitive job market, where top talent is scarce, employer branding has never been more critical.Mental Health: The Impact of Starting a New Job
Starting a new job is an exciting but daunting chapter in your FMCG career journey, here are some strategies to support your mental health. -
Managing Stress | Top Tips
Continue ReadingManaging Stress
Stress is a natural response to the demands of life, and while it can be normal and motivating, excessive stress can have negative effects on your wellbeing. This blog is focused on stress awareness, and our team have shared their personal techniques on how they manage it.
What is Stress?
When faced with a demand or threat, our bodies naturally respond by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline, causing an increase heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. While this can be beneficial in the short term, chronic stress can lead to negative impacts on both physical and mental health, including anxiety, depression, and heart disease.
Understanding the significance of stress awareness is crucial to effectively managing it. If you know the symptoms and triggers, you can take the right steps to reduce it. Our consultants have shared their go-to approaches and advice.
"It’ll be okay in the end and if it’s not okay it’s not the end."
Adrian DalbyFounder & CEO
Dog walk & Podcast
Nicky McHaleI love to put on a podcast and taking the dog for a walk! (We have left some podcast suggestions below)
Chamomile
Katie O'LearyI suggest making chamomile tea, it’s a known stress and anxiety relief with soothing properties!
Morning Routine
Katie LeuwInstead of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning to check social media or email, I start by opening my curtains, brushing my teeth, and feeding my cat.
Gym
Cristy JenningsI think going to the gym is so beneficial to manage stress. The gym can help bump up the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins.
Yoga
Hannah BuglerMy go to is doing some yoga to relax or a facemask in the evening would be a good way to relax.
Relax with friends
Charli HarrisGoing to the gym or a chatting through thoughts with friends over a glass of wine is my go-to’s after a stressful day!Podcast Suggestions
Stress is normal, and to manage it you need to have a natural balance and prioritise selfcare, and how to reduce this by setting boundaries!
If you are struggling with stress in your current role, why not consider finding a new one. Our consultants are happy to have a chat, or you can look through our vacancies below!
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Best Easter Treats 2023
Continue ReadingTop 2023 Easter Treats
As Easter approaches quickly, we’re seeing a variety of new and egg-citing easter treats within the FMCG industry.
Our New Chapter FMCG Recruitment team wants to share their favourites with you, whether they’re classic choices or fun new flavours. Take a look at their top picks now!
Malteaser Bunnies
Indulge in the smooth milk chocolate with a delicious malt centre and crunchy honeycomb pieces. Treat yourself to an early Easter with one of these, or buy the mini version to add into your favourite easter bakes.
50p Sainsbury’s
White Chocolate Easter Egg
This white chocolate Easter egg is a cracking take on a classic favourite. Featuring a playful ‘splat’ design and made with all-natural colorings.
£11 HotelChocolat
Lindt Bunny
Hop into Easter with this classic gold bunny, the most popular choice among our FMCG consultants! Made with the finest Swiss chocolate, wrapped in gold foil, and tied with a red ribbon and gold bell.
£2.75 Lindt
Buttermilk Vegan Easter Egg
Salted Caramel, Honeycomb Blast, Zingy Orange and many more, all powered by plants. Dairy, palm oil and gluten free, there is no excuse not to share!
£5 Sainsburys
Mr Prempy's
Enjoy an organic, vegan-filled egg this Easter. With 74% raw dark ethically-sourced chocolate, coconut blossom and hazlenut ganache, it makes for a delicious treat adn it’s always great to support smaller companies!
£9 Mr Prempy’s
More on the market
With plenty on the market, make sure to jazz up your Easter with these tasty snacks…
Rococo Sea Salt Milk Chocolate - £35.95 
Cadbury Mini Eggs - £4 
H!P Salted Caramel Easter Egg - £10 
Cadbury White Oreo Chocolate Easter Egg - £10 
Godiva Easter Indulgence Box - £111.40 Interested in our FMCG Jobs?
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Big New Chapter News!
Continue ReadingExciting Announcement!
We are thrilled to announce that three of our exceptional team members have been promoted to Directors. Their combined experience of over 35 years in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry makes them invaluable assets to New Chapter. We are proud to have such accomplished leaders on our team, and we look forward to their continued contributions to our success. Please join us in congratulating them on their well-deserved promotions!
We spoke to Emma, Rachael, Arbrie and our CEO Adrian about the news – here is what they said…
Arbrie, Rachael and Emma want to help you start your New Chapter today!
Explore our current live vacancies or speak to our consultants below.
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Achieve Workplace Happiness
Continue ReadingWorkplace happiness’… what is it?
For some people, the meaning is clear, but studies show that not everyone is lucky enough to experience it. In fact, studies have revealed that 1 in 3 UK employees lack workplace happiness.
Does this apply to you? Does every day feel like Monday? If so, what can you do to beat this unlucky fortune?
Boosting your mood is the simplest way to feel happier at work, which is proven to improve focus and productivity and reduce stress, lowering the risk of permanent damage to the body.
Following on from our blog last week about knowing when you’re ready to move jobs, we wanted to offer some tips on how to tweak your workday habits, to help you find happiness in your current role before taking that new opportunity!
1. Positivity
Try to smile more! Doing so will allow others to perceive you as approachable and kind. When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress. This positivity will not only increase motivation but also create happier workplace relationships.
We have included a guide on 13 ways to instantly be a more positive person…
2. Get Active
Get active in your lunch break. In the wise words of Elle Woods, “exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy“.
So, use your lunch break to get some exercise. Even a steady stroll will do. Taking breaks at work is important to prevent burnout, so make sure you reward your hard work with a break to feel refreshed, re-energised and ready to put your all into your role.
3. Happy Foods
Foods high in vitamin D have anti-depressant effects, especially mushrooms. Dark chocolate too, is known for its positive effects- it raises endorphins to boost mood. Coffee has been linked to energy and kindness, so make sure you don’t skip your morning brew- it might help you achieve workplace happiness!
4. Personalise
… your workspace. Photos, calendars, cards, even your desktop background, are all good ways of making your workspace truly ‘yours’. A fun work mug would work too, so that you to feel at home, at work!
5. Organisation
Organisation is a key skill to have in the workplace. Planning out daily tasks enables you to know exactly what your day will encounter and provides some clear direction. Arriving ready to start the day, reduces stress and allows you to start your tasks as soon as you arrive. So, use this to get the most out of your day… and discover a happier work-you.
6. Development
Opportunity for promotion and career-based development will surely keep you challenged and motivated towards achieving your goals. If you have tried all these strategies and still feel unhappy, then perhaps it may be time to consider new career opportunities…
If you feel this way, contact one of our constultants below to arrange a call. Or take a look at our recent blog, ‘Are you Ready for a New Job?’
Explore our current live vacancies or speak to our consultants below.
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Are you ready for a new job?
Continue ReadingAre you ready for a new job?
How do you really know when it’s time to leave your current job?
At some point in your career, you may find yourself questioning whether it’s time to explore your options. It’s normal to have moments of doubt and transitioning into a new role can be a daunting decision, but how do you know it’s the right change for you?
With the common saying, “the grass isn’t always greener,” we understand that you need to feel certain before you make that decision. That’s why we’ve prepared a five-step guide to steer you in the right direction. As always, our FMCG consultants are available to answer any questions you may have about starting a new chapter.
1. You feel unfulfilled in your current job
If you no longer believe that your work has a purpose, it can significantly affect your happiness and motivation. While we all need to work to pay rent, it shouldn’t just be about the financial benefits. Work should also come with perks, recognition and a sense of achievement.
It’s important to value yourself, and your employer should do the same. If you feel that your company is falling short on this, it’s essential to address the issue. Shockingly, one-third of all employees in the UK, which is almost 10 million people, feel undervalued at work. This indicates the iminent need for change.
Employers should value your opinions and encourage your personal and professional growth. Their mentoring and support is key for progression. Therefore, if you’re not receiving this within your current role. It’s probably time for a career change or to see if there’s internal opportunities for a new challenge.
2. You’re experiencing a toxic work environment
A negative work environment can have a severe impact on your mental health. Particularly if you’re dealing with a toxic boss, colleagues, or work culture. It’s important to work in an environment where you feel respected and supported. If your company lacks these qualities, it may be time to consider moving on.
Each company also has its unique culture, which may or may not suit you. If there’s a change in management that alters their values, you may struggle to adjust. In this case it’s probably a good time to open up to your manager about your concerns. Or maybe it’s even time to start looking for new opportunities.
3. You have that Sunday night dread
The fear of getting up on a Monday morning for work shouldn’t be a universal experience, but unfortunately, it is for many people.
If you find yourself dreading work, dragging yourself in, struggling to concentrate, and contemplating your career path, you’re not alone as the Indeed Work Happiness Score reveals that 1 in 3 are unhappy at work.
Here at New Chapter, we would love to help you find a role that excites you.
4. You’re no longer growing in your current job
One of the biggest reasons that many employees contemplate a new role or career path is due to the lack of progression. Your workplace should be aiding your personal and professional growth, and if there are no opportunities to progress, how will you continue to learn and advance your career?
Personal development is the most important thing for many people at work. Being in a position where you are challenged and offered opportunities to further grow is extremely important. See if you can discuss new projects or opportunities with your manager. If nothing is on offer, why not start having a look through our current vacancies, to see if anything fits your dream job.
5. You’re experiencing a lack of work-life balance
Your job should not take over your personal life as this only leads to burnout or high stress levels. It’s crucial to prioritise your mental health and identify the rewards and benefits that come with your job.
For many people, their basic salary isn’t the most important part of their job package; instead, other benefits such as incentive trips, early finishes, and hybrid working make a huge difference in achieving a healthy work-life balance. If you’re unsure about what you should expect from a role, look into what other companies in your industry offer.
Ultimately, deciding to find a new job is a big decision, and these five tips can point you in the right direction, and allow you to reflect on what matters most to you in a role.
If you’re certain change is for you, but you are not sure what opportunities are available, our specialist team of recruiters would love to help you.
To see more advice on making that decision to start a new opportunity, check out our recent blog.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to discuss your career with one of our constultants!
info@newchapter.co.uk
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Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Continue ReadingUltimate Mother's Day Gift Guide
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, so it’s time to celebrate the wonderful mums in our lives. Choosing the perfect gift can be quite a task, but we have curated a list of gift ideas that cater to all, from sentimental keepsakes to indulgent treats.
Whether you’re shopping for your mum, grandma, or any other amazing maternal figure, our list of ideas can help you show them your appreciation. So go ahead and surprise them with one of these lovely presents!
1. Best for the Cocktail Lover
If your mum loves a good cocktail but doesn’t want to go through the hassle of making them herself. Why not spoil her with some high-quality pre-mixed cocktails, that she can enjoy from the comfort of her own home.
Choose six cocktails from Edmunds Cocktails for £29.95!
2. Best for the Avid Gardener
Consider buying her a seed subscription that will send native British wildflower seeds every month, along with a personalised note, fact cards about the included seeds, and a seed box.
Buy now from Not on the Highstreet for £36.99!3. Best for the Breakfast In Bed
Treat her to an all-indulgent Mother’s Day Breakfast Box, complete with smoked salmon, sourdough bread, and accompanying breakfast tea or coffee, and most importantly a glass of signature Brut Reserve Champagne. All the breakfast goodies you could possibly need for the perfect start to Mother’s Day.
Buy now from Fortnum & Mason for £125!
4. Best for the Wannabe Wine Taster
If your mum enjoys a good glass of wine at the end of the day, why not spoil her with a luxury wine tasting gift box!
Buy now from Virgin Wines for £35.99!5. Best for the Chocolate Obsessed
A gift thats always a safe bet, is chocolate. With so many delicious choices available, you could even gift a personalised chocolate bar this Mother’s Day.
Buy now from Hotel Chocolat for £29.50
6. Best for the Cold Feet
Does she always feel the cold? Get her a portable, rechargable hand or foot warmer, so she can stay warm in all weathers.
Buy now from Amazon for £20.99!7. Best for the Sleeping Beauty
Help her look and feel fabulous by gifting a gorgeous satin sleeping mask to get those beauty hours in. After all, nothing beats a good night’s sleep!
Buy now from Blissy for £32!
8. Best for the Sweet Tooth
Consider surprising her with a lovely cream tea hamper that includes scones, clotted cream, jam, tea, and biscuits – everything she needs for a perfect afternoon at home. Alternatively, you could reserve a luxury afternoon tea at one of your favourite hotels or cafes.
Buy now from Hampers for £25!9. Best for the Sentimental Mum
Of the many sentimental gift ideas out there, we believe this personalised birth flower frame is undeniably the cutest. With each family members birth flower hand-painted, it’s a thoughtful and unique gift!
Buy now from Callie for £25!
10. Best for the Bookaholic
Not only can you buy some of the books she’s been itching to read, but you can also throw in a cute magnetic cat bookmark! It’s the perfect little bonus gift that’ll keep her from damaging or losing her page.
Buy a set of four from Rex London for £2.95!Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, we hope it can help you out in time for this weekend!
If you are looking for a job within the FMCG industry!
Check out our website to search our live job vacancies now!
Or
Get in touch for a chat so we can learn about you and what you want out of your career.
0845 200 741
info@newchapter.co.uk -
Benefits of Hybrid Working
Continue ReadingHybrid Working Benefits
Since the Coronavirus pandemic, many companies have chosen to adopt hybrid working arrangements or shift towards going fully remote. Likewise, at New Chapter, we have embraced this approach to enable our team to achieve a healthier work-life balance.
In this blog, we will delve into the benefits of hybrid working and its impact on our team.
Top 5 Benefits:
Improved Work-Life Balance
Hybrid working has the potential to improve work-life balance by reducing the time employees spend commuting to and from work. James Howarth, a Senior Consultant at NC, says ‘It saves time and lets me see a bit more of my kids when I don’t have to commute on my WFH days.’
This flexibility has also allowed our Head of Consumer, Rachael Carver, to save one and a half hours per day on her commute. Which has allowed her to be more productive.
Divisional Manager Emma Forster agrees, saying, ‘Hybrid/ flexible working makes it possible for me to manage childcare. I wouldn’t be able to pick up from nursey or be home in time for his bath and bed routine. If I worked in the office five days a week, and this time is really valuable to me.’
Increased Flexibility
One significant benefit of adopting a hybrid model at NC is the increased control our team has over their work schedules and location. Associate Consultant Faye Rillstone says one of her favourite parts of our flexi scheme is the option to work abroad. This enables her to meet candidates and clients face-to-face in their own countries and explore.
Founder and CEO Adrian Dalby commented that ‘the team has been able to work abroad from around the world in France, Australia, Kosovo, Spain and more.’ He mentioned that another side to the increased flexibility is that ‘it’s now common to “jump on a teams call” both internally and with clients. This has significantly approved efficiency.’ Experiences like these allow companies to have higher retention rates and greater job satisfaction.
Reduced Costs
Commuting to the office can be costly and James says that working from home a few days a week can help save money on travel, lunch, or coffee. Transport is only getting more expensive, so by saving on this cost even once a week can be hugely beneficial to many employees.
Access to a Larger Talent Pool
This is a significant advantage for companies, as removing the location barrier allows them to search for the best candidate. Here at NC, we have built a diverse team with various perspectives.
Our Founder & CEO, Adrian Dalby said ‘this has given us more flexibility to hire people further afield. Henry, one of our Associate Consultants, worked part-time for us remotely while completing his master’s degree. Our brilliant Social Media Executive also lives over an hour from London.’
Seeing Colleagues
Since hybrid working involves splitting time between remote and in-office work. Meaning the team can look forward to seeing each other and catching up during their office days.
Rachael, Emma and Adrian mentioned that the team now gets a real buzz from going to the office and seeing everyone. Boosting their morale and teamwork, it’s the perfect set up.
Overall, hybrid working offers numerous benefits for both employees and companies, and it has definitely enhanced the work-life balance for the entire team here at New Chapter. With reduced costs, increased productivity, and access to a wider talent pool, it is no surprise that many companies are now adopting this model. It is likely that hybrid working will become the new normal in the future.
If you’re looking for a new role, take a look at the current vacancies on our website. Many of which offer hybrid working or are completely remote.
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5 Best AI Tools for Businesses 2023
Continue Reading5 Best AI Tools For Businesses 2023
In recent years, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI tools) have changed the way we work and communicate.
AI is not just about creating machines that do the work for us. But also developing intelligent systems that can reason, learn, and adapt to new info.
In this blog we will explore the top business AI tools that you can use in your everyday work life!
For the video editors
Murf offers a choice of over 120 text-to-speech voices in more than 20 languages. With this impressive tool, you can adjust the pitch, pronunciation and emphasis of your AI voice messages. This allows for a more personalised tone.
Modifying your own voice is also easy; with the ability to add pauses, changes in pitch, and alterations in speed. This tool is user-friendly and great for assisting your marketing and content creation team!
For copywriting
Jasper, the market-leading AI writing assistant, can create phrases, paragraphs or even write entire essays for you! You can either choose one of their 50 templates or give Jasper specific commands. From writing emails, blogs, press releases, and more with just a few words.
One of the most impressive features is that over time, this AI will learn and adapt to your writing style. Making it even easier to produce high-quality and personalised content quickly!
For the recruiters
Textio is perfect for recruiters, as it uses predictive technology to enhance job listings. This tool analyses words and scores documents based on their effectiveness. Allowing recruiters to attract a diverse range of candidates whilst also preventing gender bias. With this AI you can appeal to a wider pool and find the best person for the role.
For meetings
If you spend most of your meetings taking notes, consider using Fireflies. This AI meeting assistant instantly transcribes and records calls. Instead of struggling to remember every detail, you can simply search through the recording highlights to find the exact moment you need.
But that’s not all; Fireflies allows you to transcribe existing audio. Making it easy to revisit and review past conversations. With everything you need to organise yourself and make the most of each meeting. This tool can help you be more productive and efficient.
For everything else
Chat GPT is a powerful AI language model which uses deep learning to understand and generate natural, coherent text. As it continues to evolve and improve, it can be applied to a wide range of content from chatbots, language translation, and text completion. Best of all, it’s currently still completely free to use.
Are you interested in jobs in within the FMCG industry?
Here at New Chapter we have a selection of amazing consultants who spend each day helping individuals start new chapters within many sectors.
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Our Top Pancake Picks
Continue ReadingOur Top Pancake Picks
Pancake Day provides the perfect excuse to enjoy pancakes for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner!
With a vast variety of pancake toppings available, everyone can find one that suits their taste. You can stick to traditional options like lemon and sugar or explore more adventurous choices to take your pancakes to the next level.
Our consultants have shared their favourite toppings with you, so you can elevate your pancake game this year.
Berry Compote
Berry compote is a delicious and easy option for those who enjoy fruity pancakes.
To make it, simply combine frozen berries, sugar, and water in a pan and cook on low heat until the mixture thickens into a sauce. Then, pour onto your pancakes and feel free to add lots of fresh berries.
Senior consultant Lauren Milner recommends taking it up a notch by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially with cherry compote.
Nutella
Nutella is a favourite among many here at New Chapter. Our Associate Consultant, Katie O’Leary, suggests adding strawberries to take this option to the next level.
Or, instead of just spreading nutella on your pancakes, you can stuff chocolate spread inside.
Top with whipped cream for the ultimate chocolate dessert.Maple Syrup and Bacon
For those who enjoy the combination of sweet and salty. Cook some streaky bacon until crispy, crumple on top of your pancakes and cover with maple syrup. This American-style dish is perfect for brunch or lunch.
If you’d prefer to keep it simple, Head of Consumer, Rachael Carver opts for a drizzle of maple syrup!
Lemon and Sugar
This traditional option was the top choice among our consultants. Just squeeze some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle some caster sugar, its really just as simple as that.
If you’d like to try an alternative to this classic combination, switch out the lemons for oranges and let us know what you think!
Chocolate Chips
If you want to keep it simple, Recruitment Consultant Harry Toole suggests substituting chocolate spread for chocolate chips and adding some bananas to the mix.
Simply sprinkle the chips over your pancakes and top with sliced bananas. To finish, if you’d like to step it up add a drizzle of maple syrup.
Are you interested in jobs in within the FMCG industry?
Here at New Chapter we have a selection of amazing consultants who spend each day helping individuals start new chapters within many sectors.
