Having maintained our prices since September 2021 unfortunately we can no longer absorb the rising costs affecting the business. In addition to unprecedented energy cost hikes, like other businesses, we’ve had to contend with increased rental fees, staffing costs and materials plus spiralling postal charges to ensure our centres receive their certificates within the usual seven days, something we are proud to deliver.
As a result, from 1st September 2023 FDQ’s UK wide Qualification Registration Fees will increase by an average of ten percent for all centres. Some centres will also be affected by adjustments in the pricing of other services, such as uplift to the threshold for the annual minimum registration spend.
We are providing three months’ notice to give you time to make any changes needed to your own pricing structures. It has been a difficult decision as we know this directly affects our centres, but FDQ is committed to continuing to provide the high-quality food industry qualifications and corresponding level of customer service you have come to expect.
As you know FDQ is a non-for-profit organisation, and we remain focussed on supporting the food and drink industry through the next couple of years of change as the Government reforms across the UK require AOs to evolve and develop new provision. To this end, and whilst developing new products FDQ will continue to provide you with the very best responsive services including in the way we conduct our external quality assurance.
Please be assured that we’ll be maintaining our individualised approach to support, you can count on us to respond personally and promptly to all your calls and emails. And we’ll continue to take a friendly and problem-solving approach in all our dealings with you.
In the interest of transparency, the updated pricing structure from September can be found in our 2023/24 centre and qualifications fees guide found below.
Thank you for your understanding. Should you have any specific questions or concerns, please get in touch at FDQ@fdq.org.uk or call the office.
Regards
Terry
Terry Fennell -Chief Executive