John Sergeant and Des Coleman to host Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

After dinner speaker John Sergeant

Journalist, presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant John Sergeant will be hosting this year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards alongside BBC TV’s East Midlands Today weather presenter and former EastEnders actor Des Coleman, it has been announced.


The pair will be revealing the winners of the East Midlands-based awards at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner sponsored by Derby College at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, on November 25th.

They will co-host the event which is designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the region’s food and drink sector.

Entries for the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards, which have five categories, plus the chance for winners to go on to become crowned the East Midlands Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion 2010, are due by Friday October 15th. Additional prizes in the form of business support are also available.

“Both John Sergeant and Des Coleman are highly entertaining, and we are delighted that they will be joining us for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010 ceremony and gala dinner,” said Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick.

“The awards ceremony has become one of the highlights of the food and drink sector calendar in the region, as well as the chance for us to recognise the achievements of firms, individuals and researchers who work in the industry in the East Midlands.”

John Sergeant was famously interrupted mid-broadcast by Margaret Thatcher when she emerged from the Paris Embassy, grabbed his microphone and declared her participation in the Conservative leadership battle, which won John a place in television history and a Press Guild Award for the most memorable outside broadcast. More recently, the former BBC chief political correspondent and former ITN political editor, has become a reporter on BBC1’s The One Show, has hosted Have I Got News for You? and is a regular on many Radio 4 panel shows, as well as being a popular contestant on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The after-dinner speaker for the Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010, he will also be co-hosting the ceremony with cheery weather presenter Des Coleman, who has worked in TV, theatre, presenting, musical theatre and films. Des’ TV credits include The Bill, Casualty, Doctors and most famously his four-year portrayal of lovable rogue Lenny Wallace in EastEnders – during which time the show won a BAFTA. He is also a presenter on The One Show.

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. There are categories for a wide range of businesses and individuals – including manufacturers, researchers, and firms in the wider food sector such as restaurants, caterers, delis and primary producers, plus those working on innovation projects for the benefit of the sector – and the closing date for entries is October 15th 2010.

Entries are being invited for the following awards:

• University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Size Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will recognise small to medium food and drink manufacturers within the East Midlands that have championed innovation projects to improve their business. The University of Lincoln has kindly donated an additional prize of two hours’ consultancy from an academic specialist to the winner of this category.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain, which will recognise businesses working in the food and drink supply chain in the East Midlands that have undertaken an innovation project that has benefited the food and drink manufacturing sector. Campden BRI has kindly donated additional prizes of two places on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of the Most Innovative Business across the Food and Drink Supply Chain. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project, which will reward the most successful research projects undertaken by universities within the East Midlands that have made a significant beneficial impact on the food and drink sector.

• Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will go to a large food and drink manufacturer in the East Midlands that has championed innovation projects to improve their business. Food Processing Faraday has kindly donated an additional prize of a consultancy visit from one of their Innovation Consultants plus one free delegate place to Excellence in Food Manufacturing 2011 to the winner of this category.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector, which will recognise innovation in a food or drink firm that is not a manufacturer. This could include primary producers, restaurants, caterers, delis and local food retailers.

• The winner of the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion Award 2010 will be picked from the winners of the five categories. The Food and Drink Forum has kindly donated an additional prize of one day’s consultancy from one of their specialists for the Innovation Champion 2010. Prize must be taken before May 2011.

• Campden BRI has also kindly donated one place on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of each of the other categories. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

Application forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food.

Funded by 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 and 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

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Last call for entries in Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

Firms, individuals and researchers linked to the East Midlands food and drink sector have just a few days left to enter this year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards and be in with a chance of winning a prestigious title and valuable business support.


Designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the food and drink industry in the region, the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards have five categories, plus the chance for winners to go on to become crowned the East Midlands Food and Drink Innovation Champion 2010. Additional prizes in the form of business support are also available.

The awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner sponsored by Derby College, which will take place at The Roundhouse, Pride Park, Derby, on November 25th.

There are categories for a wide range of businesses and individuals – including manufacturers, researchers, and firms in the wider food sector such as restaurants, caterers, delis and primary producers, plus those working on innovation projects for the benefit of the sector – and the closing date for entries is October 15th 2010.

Entries are being invited for the following awards:

• University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Size Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will recognise small to medium food and drink manufacturers within the East Midlands that have championed innovation projects to improve their business. The University of Lincoln has kindly donated an additional prize of two hours’ consultancy from an academic specialist to the winner of this category.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain, which will recognise businesses working in the food and drink supply chain in the East Midlands that have undertaken an innovation project that has benefited the food and drink manufacturing sector. Campden BRI has kindly donated additional prizes of two places on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of the Most Innovative Business across the Food and Drink Supply Chain. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project, which will reward the most successful research projects undertaken by universities within the East Midlands that have made a significant beneficial impact on the food and drink sector.

• Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will go to a large food and drink manufacturer in the East Midlands that has championed innovation projects to improve their business. Food Processing Faraday has kindly donated an additional prize of a consultancy visit from one of their Innovation Consultants plus one free delegate place to Excellence in Food Manufacturing 2011 to the winner of this category.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector, which will recognise innovation in a food or drink firm that is not a manufacturer. This could include primary producers, restaurants, caterers, delis and local food retailers.

• The winner of the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion Award 2010 will be picked from the winners of the five categories. The Food and Drink Forum has kindly donated an additional prize of one day’s consultancy from one of their specialists for the Innovation Champion 2010. Prize must be taken before May 2011.

• Campden BRI has also kindly donated one place on a Campden conference or seminar for the winner of each of the other categories. Prizes must be taken before October 2011.

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “We are very much looking forward to receiving this year’s entries which, judging by previous years’ entries, should reflect the exciting innovation that we have in the East Midlands food and drink sector and associated industries.”

Application forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food.

Mike Carr, East Midlands Development Agency’s (emda’s) Executive Director of Business Services, said: “I hope that many of the food and drink companies from across the East Midlands enter these awards. It is not only an opportunity for them to be recognised for their achievements, but it is also a chance for them to showcase their innovations in a way that may help them gain an all important competitive edge in their markets.”

Funded by 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 and 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

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Thousands of pounds worth of savings made at AB Produce after Food and Drink iNet support

Support from The Food and Drink iNet is helping Derbyshire company AB Produce Ltd to save hundreds of pounds every week ….by cutting down on waste.

The firm, which prepares potatoes and other vegetables for retail, wholesale, processing and food service, wanted to make efficiency savings by reducing the amount of vegetables it lost during washing and preparation.

The iNet provided £3,160 worth of Innovation, Advice and Guidance support which allowed the company to call in experts from The Food and Drink Forum and Food Processing Faraday. They mapped the firm’s processes, devised more efficient ways of operating, and now AB Produce has cut the amount of wastage by about 50%.

“It’s probably saving us several hundred pounds a week, so it’s significant,” explained Martin McQuaide, operations director at AB Produce, based at Measham, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

Now the company is hoping for further support from the Food and Drink iNet to improve yield efficiency. It plans to look at ways of reducing the amount of skin taken off potatoes during peeling, to boost its yields.

“The Food and Drink iNet support has been very useful,” said Martin. “Obviously we have made efficiency savings but it’s also enabled a forum for our own workers to come up with ideas themselves.”

AB Produce, which employs about 170 people at its 70,000 sq ft purpose-built factory on Westminster Industrial Estate, prepares and packs vegetables in a range of different packaging formats, and supplies to customers nationwide.

It received £3,160 worth of Innovation, Advice and Guidance support from the iNet, which it matched with its own investment.

“I am very pleased to hear that the Food and Drink iNet support has enabled AB Produce to achieve waste efficiencies in its production processes, saving the firm money,” said Paul Sheppard, Food and Drink iNet advisor for Derbyshire. “This illustrates the benefit that companies can gain by tapping into the expertise that’s available when it comes to operating processes.”

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.

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

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Anila’s Authentic Sauces on the road in the run up to Christmas

Anila’s Authentic Sauces will be staging stalls at a range of popular events over the coming weeks…giving customers the chance to stock up on products or buy Christmas gifts for their friends and family.

The premium curry sauce and accompaniments producer will be at the Grand Designs Live show at the NEC, Birmingham, from October 8th to 10th and at the Taste of Autumn Show at Wisley Gardens, Surrey, from October 21st to 24th.

Anila’s will also be at the Spirit of Christmas Show from November 3rd to 7th at Olympia, London, and at the Country Living Christmas Fair at the Design Centre, Islington, from November 10th to 14th.

The award-winning producer will round off November with five days at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC, Birmingham, from November 24th to 28th.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for customers to come along and buy from us directly, or to make a start on their Christmas shopping by buying our delicious curry sauces and accompaniments as gifts for any curry lovers they know,” says Anila Vaghela, who founded the family-run business of Anila’s Authentic Sauces in 1997.

Anila’s has a range of eight curry sauces, based on traditional Indian recipes. They have won 11 Great Taste Awards, and last year Anila’s Spicy Korma Curry Sauce scooped a Free From Food Award.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as well as being sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free, they also don’t contain onions or garlic, so are perfect for those with intolerances or allergies.

The firm’s distinctive and delicious range of 16 different mouth-watering ‘handmade’ chutneys, pickles and dips are made with single fruits and vegetables, and team up perfectly with a variety of dishes, snacks, meats and cheeses.

Based in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, Anila’s also has a unit in West London.

Anila’s products are available from http://www.anilassauces.com/ or at the 28 farmers’ markets across the south listed on the website, as well as in John Lewis Oxford Street and John Lewis Bluewater. They are also sold in top quality gourmet stores, such as Harrods, plus hundreds of other outlets, including Wholefoods, Planet Organic, delis, health food stores, garden centres and gift shops.

For more information visit http://www.anilassauces.com/

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New website for structural and civil engineering firm BSP Consulting

East Midlands-based structural and civil engineering company BSP Consulting has unveiled a new website at http://www.bsp-consulting.co.uk/

The website reflects the breadth of expertise that BSP offers clients, gives information about the services it provides, and highlights just some of the projects that the firm has been involved in.

It also outlines the company’s credentials, features details about staff and covers BSP’s latest news, which will be updated regularly.

“We are very pleased to have launched a fresh-looking website that reflects the growth and development of BSP,” said BSP Consulting managing director David Sumner.

“We believe it is important to have an online presence that is informative for our clients and associates, and we intend to use it as a way of keeping our contacts up to date with our news and other relevant information.”

BSP Consulting, which has offices at Pride Park, Derby, Oxford Street, Nottingham, De Montfort Street, Leicester, and Solly Street, Sheffield, was founded in 1999 by directors David Sumner, Martin Breakwell, Mark Rayers and Clive Roddick. It now employs around 40 staff, working across all civil and structural engineering disciplines.

It was named Consultant of the Year 2009 at the East Midlands Property Dinner. The firm provides a comprehensive range of consultancy services to all sectors of the construction community, from architects, project managers and contractors to developers and estate agents.

Visit http://www.bsp-consulting.co.uk/ to see the new website.

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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/


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55th birthday celebrations rounded off at Bunny Hill Riding Centre

A riding school on the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border is rounding off its 55th birthday celebrations with a social event in October.

Folk band Growling at the Badger will be playing at Bunny Hill Riding Centre near Costock on October 16th.

The equestrian centre has been staging a series of events over the past few months to celebrate its 55th birthday, including a reunion in June, which attracted more than 300 former pupils and staff.

Now the stables is holding a final birthday bash with an evening of music, which runs from 7pm to midnight on Saturday October 16th, and costs £5 a ticket, to include nibbles.

Founded by Freda and the late Bob Humphrey in 1955, Bunny Hill Riding Centre is now run by their son Sam and his wife Lou Humphrey, who offer riding lessons to people of all ages and at all stages.

The riding centre became known as the National School of Equitation in the 1960s after becoming one of the first riding stables in the UK to have an indoor riding school, until recently reverting back to its original name.

“We have really enjoyed the programme of events we’ve run to mark our special anniversary year,” said Sam Humphrey. “It’s been fantastic to see so many old friends. We hope the event on October 16th will be the chance for us to get together again, and for any of those who missed our previous events to come along and help us share our celebrations.”

Bunny Hill Riding Centre is also home to the Knights of Nottingham jousting team, which is this year celebrating its 40th birthday.

Growling at the Badger was formed by some members of the jousting troupe when they attended the World Jousting Championships in Colorado several years ago and every team was asked to perform an act of some sort.

Sam’s brother Phil Humphrey and fellow jouster Pete Webster got together with a couple of the footmen and formed the band. They have remained in the band, and are now joined on stage by other footmen and a local vet to play in the area most weekends.

During the past few months, events at the riding stables have helped to raise around £500 for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Trust, and a raffle at October’s social event will be held for the same cause.

Tickets are available from Bunny Hill Riding Centre. For further information email lou@bunnyhill.co.uk , call 01509 852366 or visit the riding centre’s website http://www.bunnyhill.co.uk/ or Facebook page.


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