Broadland Food Innovation Centre
Funded project, backing the ambition of the region’s food and drink sector
The Broadland Food Innovation Centre is a major, funded food innovation project designed to support and fast-track the growth and success of food and drink businesses. This project is an exceptional opportunity for food or drink businesses, especially SMEs and start-ups in Norfolk and Suffolk, to accelerate their success and turn potential into thriving commerce.
There is space to grow at the Broadland Food Innovation Centre which is ideal for SME businesses and development projects undertaken by established food companies. Innovation Support is available with funded consultancy available for eligible SME businesses as well as other business services. A Dynamic Purchasing System has been set up to identify match vetted consultants and SME projects. An Innovation Cluster is emerging and its purpose is to provide one network centre for organisations interested in the commercial benefits to be found in food trends, changing attitudes to food, and in growing food sustainably and securely.
This major project is an exceptional opportunity for food and drink businesses leveraging innovation to meet challenges and thrive.
For more information on the opportunities available through the Broadland Food Innovation project visit the Food Innnovation website.
Centre
Broadland Food Innovation Centre for food and drink SMEs and start-ups is offering the optimum environment for innovation and growth, combining bespoke facilities, specialist support, cluster membership and a community of like-minded businesses on the Food Enterprise Park near Norwich.
Expect to grow and thrive.
- Food-grade units from 153m2 to 461m2
- Sensory and test kitchens
- Conference and meeting spaces
- Secure site on the Food Enterprise Park
- Facilities available for hire
- Contact Brown & Co for unit enquiries
- The centre is delivered by Broadland District Council
Support
The experienced Business Growth Team is providing bespoke advice and guidance for food and drink start-ups and SMEs which includes access to specialist consultants. Projects and consultants are matched via the Dynamic Purchasing System and consultants are invited to apply on a continuous basis.
Expect bespoke expertise.
- Business planning
- Market and customer trends
- New product development
- Implementing technologies and systems
- Accessing financial support
The support is coordinated by Hethel Innovation.
Cluster
This emerging cluster in Norfolk and Suffolk is linking organisations interested in the commercial benefits of food innovation and the future of food. If your organisation is engaged with the food supply chain, the cluster is welcoming members focused on building resilience through innovation.
Expect to meet people who will make the difference.
- Networking events and trade directory
- Research and development collaborations with academics
- 1 to 1 workshops and support
- Space at our trade events
- Training and professional development courses
- The cluster is led by the University of East Anglia
Funding and partnership
The project has received £5.7 m of funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. This project is supported by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which has contributed £4.14m - £2.7m from the HM Government Getting Building Fund and £1.44m from the New Anglia LEP Growing Places Fund. The balance of funds and resources come from Broadland District Council, the University of East Anglia and Hethel Innovation, along with support from City College Norwich and Quadram Institute.
Contact the team
Innovation support
Nick Smith nsmith@hethelinnovation.com
Innovation cluster
Alex Larter alexander.larter@uea.ac.uk
Broadland Food Innovation Centre
Tanya Nelson tanya.nelson@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk
Contact Brown & Co for unit enquiries
Nick Dunn nick.dunn@brown-co.com
Anna Smith anna.smith@brown-co.com
Find out more about how you can benefit
Food and drink businesses can find out more about signing up for any part of the project.