Helping the Food, Drink and Hospitality Sectors Grow in the North East of England
Here at Food and Drink North East we want to support food, drink, and hospitality businesses in their growth because they are essential to creating a vibrant regional economy and a thriving community. By championing these sectors, we can foster sustainable practices, celebrate local heritage, and help establish the North East as a recognised hub for innovation and world-class quality.
We know that specialised business support can be lacking within the food, drink and hospitality sectors, so have worked to develop three types of business support that can help businesses in the food, drink and hospitality sector.
FADNE Tailor-Made
Business Support Programmes
We have designed a range of business support programmes that are specifically for the food, drink and hospitality sectors in the North East.
Beyond The Kitchen Table is aimed at small-scale food and drink producers looking to expand their business and become retail-ready.
Speaking From Experience gives businesses the confidence to plan ahead for the future.
Timeout Tuesday webinars are short, interactive events that provide networking, inspiration, and insight focused on understanding your challenges, learning from your peers and taking the time to work on your business.
If you are interested in running one of these programmes in your area, please email info@fadne.org, stating the name of the programme in the subject line.
I would highly recommend the Beyond the Kitchen Table programme for any small or micro food and drink business that is looking to expand into the retail and foodservice sectors.
The programme is well-structured and provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know to get your business ready for retail, from developing your story and honing your pitch to meeting the needs of potential buyers. The one-to-one mentoring is also invaluable .
The Speaking From Experience series proved invaluable to our business. It was engaging and had real depth and breadth. I found myself inspired to action after every workshop, and I feel so much better equipped to ask the right questions of myself, my colleagues and my employees.
Our business was already in a good place, but even in the short time since the sessions it now feels like the business sits on a more solid and thoughtful foundation.
Business Support from our Strategic Partners
We work together with local councils, organisations and businesses to run FADNE-designed or FADNE-led business support programmes, as well as promoting current business support opportunities that our strategic partners currently offer that are available to food, drink and hospitality businesses.
Take a look at what’s available below, and if you have any questions, please feel free to drop our Commercial Director an email at ian@fadne.org for an informal chat about what business support you could be eligible for.
‘The Trump Effect’ – food and drink webinar on Thursday 23rd January by FADNE Partner, Lockton.
Join Lockton at 10am Thursday 23rd January 2025 for an insightful webinar as they delve into the immediate impacts of President Trump’s first 48 hours in office on the UK food and drink sector.
In Work Support Programme
The In Work Support Programme helps businesses in the North of Tyne area achieve Better People Management by providing access to 12-hours of fully funded expert HR support.
Register a place on the January 2025 Speaking From Experience programme
Food and Drink North East is delighted to be partnering with NBSL to deliver a fully-funded individual skills programme for the North East food and drink sector.
1:1 Improving Productivity sessions for County Durham businesses
Limited places available for 1:1 sessions based on our popular Improving Productivity programme, offering a flexible solution for food, drink and hospitality businesses in the County Durham area.
Food and Drink North East running a programme of business support in the Tees Valley area
Join us for a series of fully funded workshops specifically designed to support food and drink businesses across the Tees Valley. These sessions will provide practical insights and tools to help you navigate the current landscape and improve your business’s resilience and performance.
FADNE Business Support through the Northumberland Small Business Service
Food and Drink North East are registered as technical specialists for this service, so can offer 12 hours of tailor-made business support for food, drink and hospitality businesses who are eligible and wish to access the Northumberland Small Business Service.
Northumberland Small Business Service Growth and Resilience Support
The Growth and Resilience Support is available for small and micro businesses located in Northumberland.
Northumberland Small Business Service Grant Investment Fund
For businesses located within the rural areas of Northumberland, there is access to a capital grant fund from the Northumberland Small Business Service. Eligible businesses can apply for a grant between £10,000 – £300,000.
