Representatives from the eight English regional food groups met in London this week to determine their future strategy following the announcement regarding the future of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and government budget cuts.
Following the announcement to abolish the RDAs, the government has said it intends to replace them with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and has invited local groups of councils and business leaders to come forward with proposals on how they would be formed.
Jonathan Knight, current chair of the English Food and Drink Alliance, said that since the establishment of the RDAs some 10 years ago, the regional food groups throughout England have been highly successful in delivering sector specific business support to the food and drink industry via contracts funded through the RDAs.
While recognising the thinking behind the establishment of LEPs, the alliance has said it believes that the food industry is unique to many manufacturing sectors and requires a regional approach linking into national strategies, to ensure SMEs within the industry are readily able to respond to opportunities and challenges.
The alliance has requested urgent meetings with BIS and DEFRA to gain an understanding of the proposed framework for food policy and sector specific support moving forwards.
Heart of England Fine Foods ceo Karen Davies said: “We welcome the opportunity to better understand the role of the proposed new Local Enterprise Partnerships and look forward to engaging with those in the West Midlands to represent the food and drink sector.”
The alliance currently works with more than 5,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the food chain.
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