In 2023, Food and Drink North East (FADNE) launched the Beyond The Kitchen Table business support programme, funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority. Delivered throughout March and April, participants attended a variety of events, were given access to online learning resources, and received one-to-one mentoring. The aim was to help local businesses in North East England to be ready to supply into the retail and foodservice sectors, and to developing their storytelling and pitching skills in front of buyers.
This business support package built on the success and learnings of FADNE and NICRE's work together to develop the Local Heroes online business-to-consumer (B2C) food and drink delivery platform in 2020-21.
The programme was delivered by FADNE in collaboration with NewcastleGateshead Initiative and NBSL. Participants from small, local, food and drink businesses were offered over six hours of support with specialist consultants. The learning programme covered a range of topics, such as:
To put this learning to good use, businesses were also given the opportunity to pitch to high-profile buyers.
For two days in August 2023, FADNE facilitated a Local Heroes pop-up market at the Food Hall in Fenwick in Newcastle. This event enabled graduates of the Beyond The Kitchen Table programme to present their goods and tell the stories behind their products.
Building on the success of the 2023 programme, the businesses participating in Beyond the Kitchen Table 2024 pitched their products in a Meet The Buyer session at the HITS Expo 2024. The HITS Expo is a free, annual event involving talks and discussions from leading experts, networking opportunities, career spotlights, live demonstrations, recruitment showcases and new and emerging products.
Philip Lauder, founder of The Donut Lab, took part in the Beyond The Kitchen Table programme in 2023. He said: “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 and provides you with tailored support to help you achieve your business goals.”
Alongside the package of webinars, in-person activities and practical skills development within the Beyond the Kitchen Table programme, FADNE offers business support webinars which cover subjects such as:
FADNE also offers in-person events and workshops, including:
FADNE's in-house creative agency Grub helps to elevate the profile of the sector with a range of short films, documentaries and promotional materials.
For further information about the business support offered by FADNE, including Local Heroes markets and Grub Productions videos, please use the links below.
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