New support programme launched for food and drink sector

Small to medium sized enterprises in the Highland Council area that operate in the food and drink sector and its supply chain are expected to benefit from a new programme of support launched today (24 September).

The second phase of Food and Drink TechHUB will provide financial and advice support to help businesses, including social and community enterprises, with commercial growth and net zero transition activities.

The programme is part of the Northern Innovation Hub (NIH), a £14.2m initiative delivered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) under the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.

Phase one, currently in its second year, has helped 190 businesses through a programme of events.

The second phase will focus on helping businesses with projects that cut carbon emissions or boost productivity, or that encourage innovation and skills development for new higher-value roles.

Its aim is to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange within and beyond the region to stimulate growth across the sector.

The £1.457m second phase of Food and Drink TechHUB is being funded with £500,000 from HIE and a further £957,000 from the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.

Launching the programme at a life sciences networking event at Scotland’s Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) on Inverness Campus, HIE’s head of food and drink Anna Miller said:

“Food and Drink TechHUB is about creating more quality jobs and contributing to the just transition to a net zero economy. It will support Highland food and drink businesses to grow by becoming more productive and competitive as well as greener.

“There’s a focus on developing new products, services and processes, as well as creating efficiencies and enhancing skills.

“We’re delighted to launch the second phase of the programme and look forward to working with food and drink companies across the Highland Council area as they strengthen the industry.”

The Northern Innovation Hub project is funded with £11m from UK Government, £1.2m ERDF and £2m from HIE through the Inverness and Highland City Region deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and the University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.

Food and drink related companies can find out more about Food and Drink TechHUB on the following link or contacting their local HIE office.

Food and Drink TechHUB