Holbeach’s Food Enterprize Zone has been given its official opening.
Jayne Almond, director of policy and corporate affairs at the Food and Drink Federation cut the ribbon on the first three buildings that are finished.
University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) and The Institute of Technology Digital Food Manufacturing Centre have already been open for about a year.
But the event did mark the opening of the Lincolnshire County Council’s Hub for Agricultural Businesses.
It’s been designed for small and start up businesses from the sector to use.
The developments represent over £16m of investment to support Greater Lincolnshire’s agri-food sector and help position it as what’s been branded as ‘the UK Food Valley, a top ten global centre for international food trade’.
Mrs Almond 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.”
The development represents an effective partnership between the University of Lincoln, the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Lincolnshire County Council and South Holland District Council.
Coun Colin Davie, LCC’s executive councillor for economy, environment and strategic planning, Lincolnshire County Council said: “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.
“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.
Pat Doody, chairman of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The opening of the South Lincolnshire FEZ is a perfect example of how determined partners sharing a common vision – in this case the ambitious goal of creating the UK Food Valley, a top ten global food cluster – can achieve so much, so quickly.”
