TCS gives industry food for thought

This paper highlights the effectiveness of TCS (the Teaching Company Scheme) in improving the performance and competitiveness of companies in the food‐processing industry. The industry is swinging towards the more efficient production of safe, high‐quality foods, a change propelled by UK and EC legislation and by market forces. Developing and implementing new process procedures and systems, exploring and developing novel ingredients, new products and market sectors are projects that require heavy investment of time, resources and personnel. However, many small and medium‐sized food‐processing companies lack the resources necessary to carry out such strategic projects. TCS is a highly successful government scheme that stimulates innovation and facilitates technology and knowledge transfer in most business and industry sectors, including the food industry, by supporting partnerships between companies and the UK’s knowledge base (universities and research organisations and institutions). It also enables companies to recruit and train high‐calibre graduates seeking careers in industry.