North-East Business
MP opens new food centre offering firms purpose-built units
11:50am Friday 12th March 2010
A £3M FOOD Enterprise Centre has been launched by William Hague, MP for Richmond and shadow foreign secretary.
The centre at Leeming Bar Business Park, near Bedale, provides 11 purpose-built food grade units for new food businesses.
It has a management suite, meeting rooms, access to expert help, and stands next to the A1M with excellent distribution links.
Coun Tony Hall, cabinet member for prosperity at Hambleton District Council, said it had received funding from Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.
The centre removed some significant cost barriers new food businesses face. Several were already signing up.
Coun Hall said: “It gives them the opportunity to move into purpose-built accommodation, share costs and experiences with similar businesses, and make the most of prime market opportunities across Yorkshire and beyond.
“Food and drinks businesses are extremely important to the local economy and this importance will be boosted by the provision of what is a first-class facility.”
The centre will be managed by Gary Quinn and Thomo Leteane who have a wealth of experience in food manufacturing.
Mr Quinn said establishing a food business was one of the hardest things to do.
“We want our businesses to get the right food product to the right market as quickly as possible,”
he said.
“Having a managed workspace where people can advise on anything from manufacturing issues, to labelling laws and nutritional analysis is invaluable to small businesses.
“Leeming Bar is all about taking away some of the stumbling blocks that get in the way of food innovation in our area.”
The centre hopes to attract other food businesses to use its resources and meeting rooms to strengthen the food community in Yorkshire.
Any interested food businesses can contact Mr Quinn on 01677-425264.