Inward investment promotion agency Locate in Kent, the research, innovation and enterprise cluster Growing Kent and Medway and trade organisation Produced in Kent have joined forces to launch a food and drink tour with a difference. Created by Locate in Kent and Growing Kent and Medway to showcase the strengths of Kent as a key location for the fruit and drink sector, this wide-ranging free tour is part of a broader strategy to attract more food producers and growers to the region.
The inaugural tour included visits to laboratories at Kent Science Park, the Algal Biotechnology Unit and Food Innovation Centre at the University of Greenwich in Medway and NIAB at East Malling, a world class centre of excellence for applied research and innovation in commercial horticulture. Trialled for the first time this month the tour coincided with the National Fruit Show in Detling, one of the biggest commercial events in the calendar for the soft fruit sector attracting growers and producers from across the UK.
The aim of the tour is to target SMEs looking to invest or grow in the Garden of England, a region that is already home to over 2,500 food and drink companies, attracted by some of the most productive agricultural land in the UK and proximity to both London and European markets. In addition to visiting state-of-the-art research facilities, the free tour will, in future, provide an opportunity to network with business leaders already here and discover more about the level of support available – including the Growing Kent & Medway food and drink accelerator and Locate in Kent’s soft landing programme.
Simon Ryan, Investment Director, Locate in Kent, said: “We want to welcome more companies involved in growing soft fruits, manufacturing and food production to Kent and encourage more to invest in the region.
“Our ambition for the tour provides a unique opportunity to showcase the innovation taking place right now, gaining invaluable insights into the latest technologies and industry developments and networking with business leaders already here.
“We want businesses to see for themselves all this region has to offer as well as the support available. This includes the Growing Kent & Medway food and drink accelerator and mentoring programme, along with details of funding opportunities and our own soft-landing package which helps businesses looking to set up and start working in Kent and the UK.”
Nick Ellis, Customer Experience Manager, with Kent IT support business Select Technology, said the Tour gave him a better understanding of how Kent’s set of skills and resources would benefit businesses from around the globe.
“The tour was a fascinating insight into the food and beverage research capabilities in Kent. The locations – Kent Science Park, University of Greenwich at Medway and NIAB – were impressive, as was the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm of the researchers and businesses that we spoke to,” Nick said.
Businesses wishing to take part in a future tour, should call 01732 620700 or email enquiries@locateinkent.com to register their interest.
