The £3.5M package of support for Cumbria was expected to create 500 new businesses and 900 jobs.
A £3.2M investment programme in Northumberland and Durhamwas predicted to create up to 300 new jobs and support hundreds of businesses.
During his visit to Cumbria, Paice praised the achievements of First Milk’s Lake District Creamery. After visiting the firm’s Aspatria site, Paice said yesterday (August 21): “Only a few years after purchasing the site, First Milk has already been successful in putting their Lake District Creamery on the world stage.
Export-led business
More importantly, the company has shown how an added-value, export-led business strategy, focussing on the long-term opportunities for dairy can drive returns for Cumbrian farmers that supply milk to the creamery.”
First Milk, owned by a consortium of 2,000 farmers, has secured an export deal to supply cheese sticks to Emirates Airlines. The deal will put about 6M portions on the airline’s passengers’ plates over the next year.
Paice said: "With global demand for Western food soaring, the British dairy industry has huge potential to prosper, and First Milk is grabbing the opportunities with both hands. They're showing how an added-value, export-led business strategy, focusing on investment and innovation, can drive significant returns for farmers and the wider economy.”
Meanwhile, First Milk was ordered to pay £56,000 recently by Carlisle Magistrates Court after a blast at its Allerdale factory. To read the full story, click here .