Even Tony Blair's manic spin machine could not have conjured up such an unexpected surge in the average Brit's feelgood factor as witnessed following our footballers' thrashing of the Germans. However, those in grocery who don't follow football (there are a few) and remain oblivious to the events in Munich, could have been inspired in a very different way on Thursday. For the annual convention of Leading Edge, the networking group for potential high-flyers run by IGD, proved that where the future of the food and drink industry is concerned, it looks like being in safe hands. Traditionally, some parts of grocery have not been good at projecting themselves to would-be recruits. Nor, for that matter, as the responses to the Rip-off' nonsense illustrated, has the industry always sold itself effectively to the outside world. Indeed, attracting the right entrants to the food and drink business has stretched the minds of industry leaders for decades. Only a few years ago, one multiple great admitted privately to me that "if it's wet, warm and it can stand, I'll give it a checkout job". Thankfully, times ­ and attitudes ­ have moved on, and, judging by a new survey among Leading Edge members the industry is now getting it right. Thus, the results of a questionnaire among the Jamie Oliver generation', which sought their views on the highs, the lows and career prospects within food and drink, should be required reading when it is unveiled in full at the IGD convention on October 9. The news that only a mere 4% were unsatisfied with their experience of the sector, and only 15% of respondents expected to have made a career move outside of the industry in five years' time, is highly encouraging. The only blip came with the revelation that 45% of respondents rated working hours as poor. Challenge and long hours usually go together, but they don't have to, so it's an area where the trade needs to do better. Having said that, the industry can feel good this weekend. Clive Beddall, Editor {{OPINION }}