22nd September, 2022
Meet the team behind the Broadland Food Innovation Centre, and join us for a series of networking, workshops, and tours.
We are delighted to welcome our Food & Drink community to the Food Innovation Forum. We will be previewing the Broadland Food Innovation Centre, and sharing how Norfolk and Suffolk's Food & Drink community can innovate and grow.
Hear from a variety of influential speakers sharing their experiences, expertise, and opinions on a number of topics, including funding, commercial premises, and connecting with buyers.
12:00 to 13:30 - Introduction to: The Project
You will meet and hear from the team behind the creation of the Broadland Food Innovation Centre project, including the Innovation Cluster and Innovation Support. Regionally sourced food & drink will be provided.
Speakers (TBA)
13:30 to 14:00 - Introduction to: The Centre
Join us for a tour of the Broadland Food Innovation Centre, and gain insight into the support provided on-site, including food-grade incubator units, development kitchens, and sensory facilities. Tours will be provided with letting agent, Brown & Co, site developers Wilmott Dixon, and the Centre Manager, representing Hethel Innovation.
14:00 to 15:30 - Introduction to: Funding Opportunities & Moving Premises (Food & Drink Businesses Only)
Across this two-part workshop, submit your application to receive grant funding and learn about the key considerations you must take when moving into commercial premises.
In part one, you will learn about the funding streams available to you and how to access expert consultancy from our pot of £250,000 grant funding. Following the session you will submit your application.
In part two, we are providing a comprehensive guide to follow when you are in the process of re-locating your food production premises. This can range from energy requirements to negotiating your rent per annum. Mapping this out will support you to make a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your business operations.
15:30 to 17:30 - Introduction to: Your Neighbours (Food & Drink Businesses Only)
Sometimes, it's not just about what you know it's about who you know. In this Food & Drink exclusive networking session, meet and network with the local Food & Drink community to strengthen your supply chains and share best practice. Regionally sourced food & drink will be provided.
07:30 to 9:00 - Business Breakfast
Join us for this exclusive networking breakfast hosted by local Food & Drink champion, Valerie Watson-Brown. More details to follow.
9:30 to 11:00 - Introduction to: Connecting with Buyers (Food & Drink Businesses Only)
Connecting with buyers can feel like a daunting process. But it doesn't have to be. In our workshop, we are providing a comprehensive guide to making the perfect pitch to your buyers. You will hear from industry experts about the key steps for securing sales, as well as common mistakes to avoid. Also hear of the upcoming opportunities coming soon from Local Flavours, supporting the region's F&D, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
This event is a celebration of Food & Drink in Norfolk and Suffolk, and has a limited capacity. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come first serve basis. Book yours today!