The first draft of a blueprint that’s been drawn up to help develop Leicester and Leicestershire’s £600 million food and drink economy is being unveiled to those who helped shape the strategy.
Last year, East Midlands business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum began preparing ideas to ensure that Leicester and Leicestershire have the place they deserve on the UK’s food and drink map.
Commissioned by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), The Forum, working with the European Food and Farming Partnerships (EFFP), worked on a blueprint which aimed to help the city and county's food, drink and farming businesses grow and develop, promote Leicester and Leicestershire food and drink products, and create tourism and promotional opportunities linked to food and drink.
Now, after talking to a range of the city and county’s food and drink firms, the first draft of the strategy is being unveiled to invited guests at an event on Tuesday March 22nd from 5.30pm to 8pm at The Royal Oak, Main Street, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2AN. Among those due to attend are representatives from food and drink businesses who took part in surveys and consultation events to help shape the strategy.
Andrew Granger, Chairman of the strategy steering group, commented: “The food and drink sector is one of our greatest local strengths with significant growth potential. I consider that this strategy and the targeted actions will help ensure Leicester and Leicestershire is a centre of excellence for food and drink.”
“We worked closely with those in the industry - those who run food and drink businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire – to find out what they needed to help drive forward the food and drink economy of the city and the county,” said Fiona Anderson, managing director of The Food and Drink Forum.
“Among those we consulted were farmers, local producers, restaurateurs, retailers and hospitality companies so that we could create a business-led strategy and action plan that would help develop food and drink networks, support skills and training activities, and encourage business and infrastructure development.
“A great deal of effort has been put in by many organisations and individuals over several years to ensure that Leicester and Leicestershire has a successful and vibrant food and drink sector, and this strategy has been designed to build on past work, current initiatives, and drive the sector forward.”
Once the strategy has been unveiled to the invited audience, it will be followed by a consultation period before being made available more generally, with the invitation for interested parties to comment.
At Tuesday’s event Andrew Granger will welcome attendees and provide context for the strategy. The Forum’s managing director Fiona Anderson and Mike Ader, a partner in European Food and Farming Partnerships, will give an overview of the strategy. Paul Murphy, Director of Business Builder, will present details of the progress that has been made on delivery of the action plan so far, and Gill Smitherman, Programme Manager at LLEP, will outline details of future resource to move the action plan forward.
Stephen Gould, Managing Director of Everards Brewery, will talk about Everards’ commitment to Leicester and Leicestershire food and drink, and provide an introduction to a local sourcing pilot initiative.
Leicester and Leicestershire has a rich heritage when it comes to food and drink, with a diverse mix of rural and city-based producers and manufacturers of differing sizes e.g. Samworth Brothers Ltd, Farsan Ltd and SpiceNTice™ Ltd. It is home to many household names like United Biscuits, Walkers, Pukka Pies and Everards, as well as producers of ethnic foods, artisan items and traditional products. Some are recognised around the world, and others have a very strong regional identity, such as Stilton cheese. Melton Mowbray is branded as the UK rural capital of food.
Established in 1998, the Food and Drink Forum is a membership-led organisation that stimulates and supports the sustainable development of the sector in the East Midlands. It is run by a team of food industry professionals who have first-hand knowledge of a wide range of business issues, including logistics, business development, sales and marketing. It has a Board of industry owner/managers.
EFFP is a specialist agri-food business consultancy that helps to strengthen the entire supply chain, developing solutions that generate greater security, stability and sustainability; they work with all parties from farmer groups through to retailers and food service companies.
Anyone who would like a copy of the final strategy should register their details with The Food and Drink Forum by email to enquiries@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk
Nottingham PR consultant Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk
Showing posts with label Leicester and Leicestershire Multi-Area Agreement Partnership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leicester and Leicestershire Multi-Area Agreement Partnership. Show all posts
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Thursday, 10 February 2011
Courses to help East Midlands food and drink firms announced by The Food and Drink Forum
Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum has announced its training courses for 2011.
The courses are designed to boost skills, encourage efficiency and increase profits, as well as promote the benefits of achieving external accreditation.
This year’s programme includes a new course on effective coaching to be run by The Forum’s recently appointed manufacturing innovation manager Mark Nicholson.
Mark and The Forum’s food technical manager Richard Wigley will also deliver training events that focus on food safety, becoming more efficient, and internal auditing.
The courses are open to all food and drink firms, as well as the Food and Drink Forum’s members who operate mainly in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, and who qualify for a discount on course fees.
“Investing in the training and development of employees is essential to the success of a business,” said Food and Drink Forum managing director Fiona Anderson. “The Food and Drink Forum has extensive expertise in delivering training courses for food and drink manufacturers, producers, caterers and others working in the sector, and this year’s programme has been designed to offer a selection of suitable courses. We can also run bespoke training courses, designed to meet the exact requirements of our clients.”
This year’s programme of courses will be delivered in the training suite at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, or at suitable external premises, and the programme incorporates courses accredited by major awarding body the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
On Thursday April 14th a one-day CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering is being held. Completing a food safety course is a legal requirement for all individuals working in a food or food-related business. This basic, entry level course has been put together to specifically address the food safety and hygiene needs of caterers and is the ideal way to ensure legal compliance for businesses.
On Wednesday May 11th, The Forum runs a half-day course on becoming lean, which is aimed at food and drink professionals interested in understanding the basic principles of lean manufacturing and how they can achieve more with less resource through the continuous elimination of waste.
A one-day course on internal auditing designed to meet the requirements of auditor training for certification standards such as the BRC Global Food Standards and SALSA takes place on Tuesday July 5th.
On Wednesday September 14th The Forum runs a half-day course on effective coaching, while on Tuesday October 4th a one-day CIEH level 2 Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing course takes place.
Based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, and operating across the East Midlands, The Food and Drink Forum is a membership organisation that is one of the region’s largest business support organisations, championing the food and drink sector in the East Midlands through a variety of different ways.
To find out more about the courses or The Food and Drink Forum, visit www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk or call 0115 9758810.
Nottingham PR consultant Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk
The courses are designed to boost skills, encourage efficiency and increase profits, as well as promote the benefits of achieving external accreditation.
This year’s programme includes a new course on effective coaching to be run by The Forum’s recently appointed manufacturing innovation manager Mark Nicholson.
Mark and The Forum’s food technical manager Richard Wigley will also deliver training events that focus on food safety, becoming more efficient, and internal auditing.
The courses are open to all food and drink firms, as well as the Food and Drink Forum’s members who operate mainly in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, and who qualify for a discount on course fees.
“Investing in the training and development of employees is essential to the success of a business,” said Food and Drink Forum managing director Fiona Anderson. “The Food and Drink Forum has extensive expertise in delivering training courses for food and drink manufacturers, producers, caterers and others working in the sector, and this year’s programme has been designed to offer a selection of suitable courses. We can also run bespoke training courses, designed to meet the exact requirements of our clients.”
This year’s programme of courses will be delivered in the training suite at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, or at suitable external premises, and the programme incorporates courses accredited by major awarding body the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
On Thursday April 14th a one-day CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering is being held. Completing a food safety course is a legal requirement for all individuals working in a food or food-related business. This basic, entry level course has been put together to specifically address the food safety and hygiene needs of caterers and is the ideal way to ensure legal compliance for businesses.
On Wednesday May 11th, The Forum runs a half-day course on becoming lean, which is aimed at food and drink professionals interested in understanding the basic principles of lean manufacturing and how they can achieve more with less resource through the continuous elimination of waste.
A one-day course on internal auditing designed to meet the requirements of auditor training for certification standards such as the BRC Global Food Standards and SALSA takes place on Tuesday July 5th.
On Wednesday September 14th The Forum runs a half-day course on effective coaching, while on Tuesday October 4th a one-day CIEH level 2 Award in Food Safety for Manufacturing course takes place.
Based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, and operating across the East Midlands, The Food and Drink Forum is a membership organisation that is one of the region’s largest business support organisations, championing the food and drink sector in the East Midlands through a variety of different ways.
To find out more about the courses or The Food and Drink Forum, visit www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk or call 0115 9758810.
Nottingham PR consultant Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Food innovation helps company double in size
An innovative software system which helps food manufacturers spot the potential risk of allergens in their products is proving a huge success in the food and drink industry, enabling the company which invented it to double in size.
Launched last year by Leicestershire-based Qadex, with help from the Food and Drink iNet, the system already numbers the likes of Britvic and Whitworths among its users.
The Qadex system uses software to help food manufacturers gather information about their products and their supply chains, so they can assess any risk of allergens. Before the software was developed, manufacturers had to rely on a far longer, manual and labour-intensive process.
Stephen Whyte, business development director for Qadex, said the system was proving popular with manufacturers and answered a need for more accurate information on allergens in food products.
“It is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers to get really accurate information about any potential allergen risks and to be able to pass this on to the retailers and so the consumers,” he said.
To develop the software, Qadex was awarded £10,000 worth of innovation advice and guidance support from the iNet which it matched with its own investment. Stephen said the iNet support was of huge importance.
“Any support which is available is vital,” he added.
The success of the software has helped enable the business to grow significantly. Last year its turnover doubled in size and similar growth is anticipated this year. The number of employees has more than doubled to 32 and, as a result, Qadex relocated last year from central Leicester to Sileby. It also has a base in Dublin.
Other Qadex clients using the system include First Milk Group, Rectory Foods and Maximuscle.
Next summer, Qadex plans to launch another new product – a retail specification system - which will enable manufacturers to easily and automatically produce information for retailers in the format they require. For more information about Qadex, visit www.qadex.com .
The iNet helps food and drink firms engage expertise from academia, research institutions and specialist business advice for innovation projects to develop new ideas, new products, new processes and to help companies grow. 50% of the equivalent cash value of the support must be contributed by the company.
Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “Innovation, advice and guidance support is designed to encourage innovation in businesses in the East Midlands food and drink sector and this project fitted the bill perfectly.”
Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.
The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.
For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Launched last year by Leicestershire-based Qadex, with help from the Food and Drink iNet, the system already numbers the likes of Britvic and Whitworths among its users.
The Qadex system uses software to help food manufacturers gather information about their products and their supply chains, so they can assess any risk of allergens. Before the software was developed, manufacturers had to rely on a far longer, manual and labour-intensive process.
Stephen Whyte, business development director for Qadex, said the system was proving popular with manufacturers and answered a need for more accurate information on allergens in food products.
“It is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers to get really accurate information about any potential allergen risks and to be able to pass this on to the retailers and so the consumers,” he said.
To develop the software, Qadex was awarded £10,000 worth of innovation advice and guidance support from the iNet which it matched with its own investment. Stephen said the iNet support was of huge importance.
“Any support which is available is vital,” he added.
The success of the software has helped enable the business to grow significantly. Last year its turnover doubled in size and similar growth is anticipated this year. The number of employees has more than doubled to 32 and, as a result, Qadex relocated last year from central Leicester to Sileby. It also has a base in Dublin.
Other Qadex clients using the system include First Milk Group, Rectory Foods and Maximuscle.
Next summer, Qadex plans to launch another new product – a retail specification system - which will enable manufacturers to easily and automatically produce information for retailers in the format they require. For more information about Qadex, visit www.qadex.com .
The iNet helps food and drink firms engage expertise from academia, research institutions and specialist business advice for innovation projects to develop new ideas, new products, new processes and to help companies grow. 50% of the equivalent cash value of the support must be contributed by the company.
Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “Innovation, advice and guidance support is designed to encourage innovation in businesses in the East Midlands food and drink sector and this project fitted the bill perfectly.”
Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.
The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.
For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Brew up an imaginative dinner party gift with Cherizena coffee
Choose a dinner party gift with a difference and opt for something original like a speciality or premium coffee from Cherizena.
The Leicestershire-based coffee specialist has a range of top quality coffees that make perfect presents for hosts…..and are much more imaginative than chocolates or flowers.
Among Cherizena’s most popular speciality coffees are Cuban Cubita, Ipanema Single Estate, and Pure Jamaican Blue.
“We’re seeing an increasing trend for guests to choose something imaginative to take with them when they go to a dinner party, and Cherizena’s premium coffees make the perfect gift,” said Kate Jones, of Cherizena. “They can be shared at the end of a dinner party, but can also be brought out again at future gatherings or enjoyed whenever the mood for coffee hits.”
Cherizena offers up to 30 single origin coffees and 20 different flavoured varieties of coffee.
It sources premium, rare and speciality coffees, as well as creating its own range of superb flavoured coffees. These popular flavoured coffees are produced by hand in small batches, using high-grade Colombian beans and the finest of flavours.
The entire flavoured range is available as regular or decaffeinated coffee. Favourite flavours include Almond Amaretto, Irish Whiskey Cream and After Dinner Mint Chocolate coffees.
Cherizena buys coffee beans direct from farmers in Brazil, Ethiopia and other countries, and then processes and flavours them at Cherizena’s premises at Wartnaby, near Melton Mowbray.
Cherizena coffee is available mail order from http://www.cherizena.co.uk/
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
The Leicestershire-based coffee specialist has a range of top quality coffees that make perfect presents for hosts…..and are much more imaginative than chocolates or flowers.
Among Cherizena’s most popular speciality coffees are Cuban Cubita, Ipanema Single Estate, and Pure Jamaican Blue.
“We’re seeing an increasing trend for guests to choose something imaginative to take with them when they go to a dinner party, and Cherizena’s premium coffees make the perfect gift,” said Kate Jones, of Cherizena. “They can be shared at the end of a dinner party, but can also be brought out again at future gatherings or enjoyed whenever the mood for coffee hits.”
Cherizena offers up to 30 single origin coffees and 20 different flavoured varieties of coffee.
It sources premium, rare and speciality coffees, as well as creating its own range of superb flavoured coffees. These popular flavoured coffees are produced by hand in small batches, using high-grade Colombian beans and the finest of flavours.
The entire flavoured range is available as regular or decaffeinated coffee. Favourite flavours include Almond Amaretto, Irish Whiskey Cream and After Dinner Mint Chocolate coffees.
Cherizena buys coffee beans direct from farmers in Brazil, Ethiopia and other countries, and then processes and flavours them at Cherizena’s premises at Wartnaby, near Melton Mowbray.
Cherizena coffee is available mail order from http://www.cherizena.co.uk/
http://www.perfect10pr.co.uk/
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Leicestershire food and drink firms asked to help shape exciting new strategy
Plans to build on Leicestershire’s £600 million food and drink economy are swinging into action.
Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum is co-ordinating the drawing up of a strategy to help ensure that Leicestershire has the place it deserves on the UK’s food and drink map.
The Forum is working on a blueprint to fly the flag for Leicestershire food and drink products, help businesses in the sector to grow and develop, and to create tourism and promotional opportunities linked to food and drink.
And it is launching the initiative by asking those closest to the industry - those who run food and drink businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire –what they need to help drive forward the food and drink economy of the city and the county.
Two consultation events are being staged later this month to gauge opinions and help shape the strategy to ensure that Leicestershire is regarded as a centre of excellence for food and drink in the future.
“The Food and Drink Forum aims to work closely with local producers, restaurateurs, retailers and hospitality companies to create a strategy and action plan that will help develop food and drink networks, support skills and training activities, and encourage business and infrastructure development, along with promoting healthy eating,” said Food and Drink Forum operations manager Briony Clarke.
“These two business consultation events will be an important first step in canvassing views of those working in the industry locally, and we are very keen to hear from as many as possible who would like to attend.
“A great deal of effort has been put in by many organisations and individuals over several years to ensure that Leicestershire has a successful and vibrant food and drink sector. This strategy will build on past work, current initiatives, and drive the sector forward. ”
The events run between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday 29th September at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, near Loughborough, and at Flamingo Bar & Grill, Loughborough Road, Leicester, on Thursday 30th September, and include a networking supper.
Leicestershire has a rich heritage when it comes to food and drink, with a diverse mix of rural and city-based producers and manufacturers of differing sizes. It is home to many household names like United Biscuits, Walkers, Pukka Pies and Everards, as well as producers of ethnic foods, artisan items and traditional products. Some are recognised around the world, and others have a very strong regional identity, such as Stilton and Melton Mowbray pork pies. Melton Mowbray is branded as the UK rural capital of food.
The Food and Drink Forum is drawing up the strategy on behalf of the Leicester and Leicestershire Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) Partnership, with support from the Leicestershire Rural Partnership (LRP).
Established in 1998, the Food and Drink Forum is a membership-led organisation that stimulates and supports the sustainable development of the sector in the East Midlands. It is run by a team of food industry professionals who have first hand knowledge of a wide range of business issues, including logistics, business development, sales and marketing. It has a Board of industry owner/managers.
The consultation events are open to those running businesses across the sector in Leicester and Leicestershire. For more information and to book a place call 0115 9758810 or visit http://www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk/
Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum is co-ordinating the drawing up of a strategy to help ensure that Leicestershire has the place it deserves on the UK’s food and drink map.
The Forum is working on a blueprint to fly the flag for Leicestershire food and drink products, help businesses in the sector to grow and develop, and to create tourism and promotional opportunities linked to food and drink.
And it is launching the initiative by asking those closest to the industry - those who run food and drink businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire –what they need to help drive forward the food and drink economy of the city and the county.
Two consultation events are being staged later this month to gauge opinions and help shape the strategy to ensure that Leicestershire is regarded as a centre of excellence for food and drink in the future.
“The Food and Drink Forum aims to work closely with local producers, restaurateurs, retailers and hospitality companies to create a strategy and action plan that will help develop food and drink networks, support skills and training activities, and encourage business and infrastructure development, along with promoting healthy eating,” said Food and Drink Forum operations manager Briony Clarke.
“These two business consultation events will be an important first step in canvassing views of those working in the industry locally, and we are very keen to hear from as many as possible who would like to attend.
“A great deal of effort has been put in by many organisations and individuals over several years to ensure that Leicestershire has a successful and vibrant food and drink sector. This strategy will build on past work, current initiatives, and drive the sector forward. ”
The events run between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday 29th September at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, near Loughborough, and at Flamingo Bar & Grill, Loughborough Road, Leicester, on Thursday 30th September, and include a networking supper.
Leicestershire has a rich heritage when it comes to food and drink, with a diverse mix of rural and city-based producers and manufacturers of differing sizes. It is home to many household names like United Biscuits, Walkers, Pukka Pies and Everards, as well as producers of ethnic foods, artisan items and traditional products. Some are recognised around the world, and others have a very strong regional identity, such as Stilton and Melton Mowbray pork pies. Melton Mowbray is branded as the UK rural capital of food.
The Food and Drink Forum is drawing up the strategy on behalf of the Leicester and Leicestershire Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) Partnership, with support from the Leicestershire Rural Partnership (LRP).
Established in 1998, the Food and Drink Forum is a membership-led organisation that stimulates and supports the sustainable development of the sector in the East Midlands. It is run by a team of food industry professionals who have first hand knowledge of a wide range of business issues, including logistics, business development, sales and marketing. It has a Board of industry owner/managers.
The consultation events are open to those running businesses across the sector in Leicester and Leicestershire. For more information and to book a place call 0115 9758810 or visit http://www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk/
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