Legal helpline launch for Food & Drink Forum members

Food and drink firms across the East Midlands are being offered free legal advice after the launch of a new helpline.

One of the region’s largest food business organisations The Food and Drink Forum has teamed up with Nottingham-based lawyers Roythornes to offer the service to its members.

The legal helpline will provide immediate access during office hours to specialist lawyers with experience of the food sector. It will offer half an hour’s advice free to Forum members, and guide them on the next steps.

Food and Drink Forum Operations Manager Briony Clarke said: “Some of the most common problems our members face are related to the law, whether it's about employing staff, chasing bad debts or contract negotiations.

“Having an experienced legal team on board, with specialised food sector knowledge will prove to be a great help. This is a great addition to our membership benefits."

Speaking about the launch, Roythornes Partner Peter Bennett said: "We're delighted to be joining with The Food and Drink Forum to offer the helpline.

“Roythornes has been involved with food businesses for over 75 years and has a wealth of experience which we can apply to help Forum members. I think people would be surprised at just how much of the food we eat has been grown, packed or processed in the region and the number of businesses that are involved in the sector. It is already a large part of our business and we hope that by helping Forum members we can further grow our presence."

The Food and Drink Forum has members in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland, who work across the food and drink supply chain.

Roythornes is one of the largest law firms in the East of England, with offices in Nottingham, Spalding, Newmarket and Peterborough.

For more information about membership of the Forum to be eligible for the free legal advice call 0115 9758810, or visit www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk