Almost 100 delegates representing a diverse section of the food industry attended the launch of the Food Technology Enterprise Hub (Food Hub) on 6 October 2005
Delegates heard a number of presentations outlining the financial, legal, and technical help that is now available to support innovative companies in the south east region of the UK.
Two companies that have already received significant help from the Food Hub also described the how their businesses have taken off since being accepted as portfolio companies.
Pesticide residue analysis company QTS Analytical achieved its one year business plan within two months thanks to the contacts, advice and support provided by the Food Hub.
The company has developed rapid and reliable methods for pesticide residue analysis, cutting days off the timescale normally required for traditional methods.
Link-Sure has developed novel magnetic tagging technology that has a wide range of applications in the food industry, and critically, can be used in environments where RFID technology won't work.
The Food Hub has helped Link-Sure to protect and exploit its intellectual property, and introduced the company to major potential customers.
Speaking at the launch, Food Hub director David Parry commented: "Tens of thousands of pounds worth of support is being made available to the companies chosen to be portfolio companies.
"We're supporting small companies that have innovative ideas because DTI figures show that 3-4% of start-up companies are responsible for 50-75% of all jobs within ten years of start-up.
"Start-up companies also account for 55% of incremental and 65% of radical innovation".
Business champion Bobby Neame added: "I've been in business for 50 years, and I realise now that I know less and less.
"So every business needs to get good advice in the areas where it is weak, and this is what the Food Hub can provide.
"I think it will be invaluable particularly in helping start-up companies to protect their intellectual property".
According to Chris Smart of Reading Scientific Services, the company that is managing the Food Hub: "The network of contacts provided by the five lead organisations behind the Food Hub is going to be invaluable.
"Jointly we can offer practical business advice and support from within our own organisations, but we also offer contacts with potential customers and business partners.
"RSSL has a lot of experience in helping smaller food companies through the work of Food Knowledge and Know-how, and we'll be able to use this experience to good effect in managing the Food Hub".
The five partners are Reading Scientific Services, East Malling Research, University of Kent Business School, Natural Resources Institute, and Leatherhead Food International.
The project is backed by the South East Economic Development Agency (Seeda).
Seeda director Peter Read commented: "Food manufacturing is a £60billion business in the UK and Seeda is committed to supporting further growth in this region.
"Entrepreneurs and innovators can add value to business and that's the raison d'etre for the Food Hub.
"We want to catalyse the development of companies and facilitate co-operation and networking."
