Food manufacturers are once again facing challenges they cannot directly control.

Recent industry data suggests food manufacturing SMEs have seen average sales revenue fall by 37% in Q1, reflecting growing economic uncertainty and supply chain disruption.

The Strait of Hormuz concerns are the latest reminder of how quickly global events can impact UK manufacturers.

In these situations, many businesses immediately focus on increasing sales, but during periods like this, protecting margin can be just as important as generating revenue.

The manufacturers navigating uncertainty most successfully are often those with a clear understanding of their costs, supplier relationships and operational spend.

In volatile markets, control becomes a competitive advantage.