Innovating the Food and Drink Industry

Food and Drink production in Nottinghamshire is booming, with businesses realising the need to develop their products and improve business practises in this increasingly competitive field.

To address this demand, Nottingham Trent University (NTU) established a Food and Drink Innovation Hub as part of the Enabling Innovation programme. This programme has funding from the European Regional Development Fund. The Hub provides expert guidance and support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food and drink industry who want to innovate and grow.

At the Hub’s first free masterclass in spring 2017, 27 delegates from 19 companies registered to attend. Delegates explored building a strong brand and taking a product to market. Of these companies, seven were new businesses, formed within the last 12 months.

Now you can book onto the Hub’s second free masterclass in summer 2017, “Negotiating, Selling Skills and Exporting”. The Hub wants more businesses to join their network to help support your ambitions for your business.

The Food and Drink Innovation Hub can also provide dedicated, personalised business support. With industry-grade facilities, they are equipped for shelf-life testing, nutritional analysis, and product development.

Adam Keenan, Innovation Consultant, says, “Businesses have been very positive about the Hub. Through us they have made new contacts and received essential advice about developing successful products and brands. Two of the businesses involved in the Hub are now in talks to supply major high street retailers, putting into practice ideas we explored together. The 1-2-1 support sessions have really helped drive their businesses forward.”

To find out more email adam.keenan@ntu.ac.uk