Published: September 12th, 2016
A new venture is being launched to support the growth of the food and drink manufacturing sector in the Marches region.
Companies looking to share knowledge, grow their supply chain and learn more about new technologies in the sector are being invited to join the Knowledge Cluster group which is supported by the Marches Growth Hub Telford & Wrekin, Enterprise Telford and the University of Wolverhampton.
The new food and drink sector group has already received backing from leading Telford food packaging specialist Sirane, and is being facilitated by the West Midlands Manufacturing Club (WMMC). Sirane designs manufactures and supplies retail food packaging to companies around the world from its base in Telford.
The inaugural meeting will be held on September 20 from 9.30am to 11.30am at the hub, which is based at the University of Wolverhampton’s Telford Innovation Campus in Priorslee.
Rebecca MacDonald, of the WMMC, said: "The Marches has a rich heritage in the food and drink sector that is supported by the manufacturing expertise we have in the region.
"We are proud to have the Sirane group on board as one of the leading regional food packaging manufacturers.
"We are now looking for other manufacturers who are keen to share best practice and ideas that will inspire growth and the development of their individual organisations whilst increasing the region’s resilience to global competition and ability to face the challenges of the future."
Members of the Knowledge Cluster will benefit in a variety of ways. They will be able to share best practice, learn about new innovations and technology in the sector and find out more about collaborative research and product development.
They will be able to tap into the knowledge of regional academia and the skills of university undergraduate and postgraduate researchers.
Paul Hinkins, Chairman of the Marches Growth Hub and Telford Business Board, said: "The Marches is recognised as an area with many quality food and drink products and with a strong background in manufacturing. This new group will bring those two strands together and provide an invaluable opportunity for companies working within the food and drink manufacturing sector."
"The Marches Growth Hub exists to support businesses across a variety of sectors and food and drink is one of our key business areas not just in Telford but across Shropshire and Herefordshire too."
Cluster membership is limited and subject to a monthly fee. To register to attend, visit www.wolverhamptonbsc.com/events
