Forum raises the bar for 'Innovation in Food'

The inaugural Food Innovation Forum organised and hosted by FTAS successfully showcased the potential of the Yorkshire and Humber region as a catalyst for innovation and enterprise

The inaugural Food Innovation Forum organised and hosted by the Food Technology Advisory Service for Yorkshire and Humber (FTAS) successfully showcased the region's potential as a catalyst for innovation and enterprise.

The ground breaking event chaired by Simon Allison, Technical Innovation Manager, Sainsbury's, brought together 63 invited delegates with the most creative and forward thinking innovators in the food and drink sector.

A key objective of the Innovation Forum was to enable delegates to network with industry experts on a "one to one" basis, as well as hearing from an array of inspiring speakers presenting on subjects such as market opportunities for functional foods, regional innovation opportunities and the product development process.

Sarah Knapper, Managing Director, FTAS highlighted the rationale for the event, "Over the next decade, issues surrounding the nation's health, obesity, sustainability and the environment, represent a real challenge for our industry.

Through the Innovation Forum we have been able to highlight the opportunities and resources that are available to businesses in our region.

Our aim is to inspire them to adopt a more creative and innovative approach to meeting the needs of their customers, thereby turning these challenges into real opportunities".

The significance of the contribution the food and drink industry makes to the regional economy is reflected in the investment Yorkshire Forward continues to make in an infrastructure that is capable of fostering real competitive advantage and enterprise.

In his presentation John Sorsby, Yorkshire Forward, highlighted the important role that FTAS and the Food Research Group at Leeds Metropolitan University can play in delivering technical support programmes and that all important competitive edge.

In addition the investment in the new Centre for Food Robotics and Automation will equally provide a unique boost to the sector.

Following a joint presentation from Sarah Knapper, FTAS and Ian Blakemore of the Food Processing Faraday Partnership, all delegates were able to register for the new "The Guide to Food Manufacturing Management", which was unveiled at the Forum.

"The Guide", the result of collaboration between FTAS and the Food Processing Faraday, offers a concise, clear guide to legislation and topical subjects, as well as summaries of established technologies and processes.

A dynamic source of information "The Guide" has sections on understanding and managing energy usage, resource efficiency, legislation, processes, logistics, new product development, quality assurance and the environment.

"The Guide" is available free to SMEs with a footprint in Yorkshire and Humberside but it can be purchased by other organisations inside or outside the region via FTAS or the Food Processing Faraday.

Feedback from the delegates attending the Food Innovation Forum has been so positive that Sarah expects the event to become a permanent fixture in the industry calendar.

Indeed following the event eight new collaborative projects have already been identified.

"Investment in innovation is clearly delivering significant benefits for the region and to the sector nationally.

We hope that the Forum will continue to encourage a creative approach to meeting consumer needs, will stimulate companies to "raise the bar" and to communicate and share the many positive outcomes and benefits of innovation".

For more information on FTAS or any aspect of the Innovation Forum contact Sarah Knapper.

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