South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone now open

The future of food production in the UK has taken a step forward after the official opening of the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ).

An event to mark the completion of the first phase of the FEZ took place at the recently opened site just outside Holbeach on Thursday, September 22.

The first phase of the FEZ includes the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), Lincolnshire County Council’s Hub for Agricultural Businesses and The Institute of Technology Digital Food Manufacturing Centre.

Professor Neal Juster, Vice Chancellor at University of Lincoln, Councillor Colin Davie (Lincolnshire County Council), Professor Val Braybrooks (National Centre for Food Manufacturing), Pat Doody (Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP) and Councillor Nick Worth (South Holland District Council) at the opening of The Hub. | Photo: Stuart Wilde

Jayne Almond (Food and Drink Federation) and Sharon Blyfield OBE (Coca-Cola) unveil the plaque at the Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technologies. | Photo: Stuart Wilde

The developments represent over £16million of investment to support Greater Lincolnshire’s agri-food sector and help position it as the UK Food Valley, a top 10 global centre for international food trade.

It also represents an effective partnership between the University of Lincoln, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Lincolnshire County Council and South Holland District Council.

Left to right: Jayne Almond, Jill Coyle, Donna-Maria Lee, Sharon Blyfield OBE, Mark Corbett (Food and Drink Federation) and Peter Agnew from Princes Foods. | Photo: Stuart Wilde

Sam Norman (OAL) and Donna-Maria Lee (Bakkavor) cut the ribbon to officially open the Food Manufacturing Digital Technologies Centre. | Photo: Stuart Wilde

Councillor Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy, Environment and Strategic Planning, Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Investing the time and money into creating the South Lincolnshire FEZ, which holds such importance nationally, shows how dedicated Lincolnshire County Council is to supporting the fastest growing sector in the county and the UK.

“Our Hub building reduces risk and uncertainty for new businesses looking to become established or grow. We want to go much further than simply letting this space though, and have created a dynamic business environment for our tenants and the wider business community.

“As the name The Hub implies, we want this space to be the focal point for a range of business to business events and support, offered by a team of extremely knowledgeable Growth Hub advisors.”

Guests at the launch were able to tour the facilities and see students at work. | Photo: Stuart Wilde

Councillor Nick Worth, Deputy Leader of South Holland District Council, said: “The progress we are seeing with the Food Enterprise Zone is fantastic news for both south-east Lincolnshire and Holbeach.

“The agricultural and food sectors are of critical importance to the UK as a whole, so to have one of the most important food industry sites really taking off in South Holland presents such opportunity for our local businesses and residents.

“The site is also a vital part of our wider plans to develop and regenerate Holbeach. I very much look forward to seeing the success of the FEZ continuing to build and grow over the coming years.”

Jayne Almond from the Food and Drink Federation cut the ribbon to officially open the Centre of Excellence in Agri-food Technologies. | Photo: Stuart Wilde

Jayne Almond from the Food and Drink Federation meeting a robot. | Photo: Stuart Wilde

Jayne Almond, Director of Policy and Corporate Affairs at the Food and Drink Federation, said: “It was an honour to open the first phase of the Food Enterprise Zone here in Holbeach, south Lincolnshire. I’m excited to see how local and national food and drink companies use the expertise in cutting edge, pioneering technology and innovation on offer to grow their business and increase their productivity.

“The local area will also hugely benefit from the skills and business support the zone has to offer and I’m looking forward to returning to the Food Enterprise Zone in the coming months to see the growth of the project.”

Sharon Blyfield OBE from Coca-Cola was among the guests. | Photo: Stuart Wilde

Murray Graham and Jill Coyle from Nestlé UK at the launch event. | Photo: Stuart Wilde