Taking yorkshire forward into a rosy future

Food and drink processing is a priority sector for Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency (RDA) for Yorkshire and Humber.

To this end, it launched its food and drink investment programme in June 2008, including regular strategy meetings designed to co-ordinate its activity through its five major delivery partners. Contacts for one partner can direct requests for help to another, where appropriate. The investment programme aims to end in 2012.

Commenting on the region's commercial health in the present economic climate, Andrew Collinson, Yorkshire Forward's sector development executive for food and drink, says: "There has been no crisis. Productivity is static in general and the people working at the premium end of the market have suffered a bit, but productivity for value lines has gone up."

Firms seeking funding for training and development should initially contact Business Link to access the key delivery partners. A recent report from a task force chaired by Richard Wright, chief executive of Intertius consultancy and president of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce found manufacturers were missing funding opportunities.

Collinson says there's lots of support for food processors. A total of £8.8M has been given to the delivery partners serving the sector via Yorkshire Forward. Farexchange is backed by an extra £400,000 from the Rural Development Programme for England - jointly funded by the UK government and the EU. And £1.7M was already set aside for the seafood industry through the Yorkshire and Humber Seafood Group.

In addition, food and drink processors can access a £10M pot for all industries from the European Enhancement Fund for training in Level 4 and above skills.

Banks are currently more reluctant to lend, but through Business Link, Yorkshire Forward offers firms a free financial health check, enabling them to approach banks with a better idea of their financial status.

In May, Sheffield Hallam University launched the Innovation Futures project, backed by £3.2M from Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund. The scheme aims to offer consultancy, research and development advice for businesses using the university's top research and academic staff.

Cash from Yorkshire Forward's £5M Transition Loan Fund - launched in February and designed to help firms in all industries struggling to access credit to stay afloat - also remains up for grabs.