Innovation specialists in the Midlands will host an event, Bucking the Trend in the Food Industry, to examine ways to move forward in the current climate as part of the Food & Drink iNet scheme.

Taking place on March 26 at the University of Nottingham Innovation Park, Nottingham it has been put together to promote the importance of innovation across the sector during the economic downturn by the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA).

The EMDA works with partners to create the right environment for innovation by integrating the iNets into future investment opportunities. It is also seeking to identify and support emerging technologies and further support research and development.

Mexican chef Marcela Flores Newburn will appear at the event after working with The Food & Drink Forum to pass on food safety management advice, marketing, coding and packaging advice.

Newburn said: “Becoming a member of the Food & Drink Forum has been the best investment for my business. They are so knowledgeable and really helped me network and get to know other people in the food industry.

"Mexican food is supposed to be fresh and healthy and I could see straight away that British people were not being offered authentic Mexican food."

Newburn’s collaborative work with Nottingham Trent University helped Rico Mexican Kitchen to win The Food and Drink Innovation Campden BRI Award for Collaboration.

David Wallace, innovation director at the EMDA, is helping companies integrate innovation into their business model: “emda has been quick to recognise the importance of innovation by supporting the development of a Regional Innovation Strategy and Action Plan.

“EMDA established the Regional Science and Industry Council, East Midlands Innovation, in December 2004, following extensive consultation with regional businesses and public sector partner organisations.

“East Midlands Innovation’s remit is to oversee innovation support including four innovation networks - the iNets - that provide targeted support to help companies identify ways to be more creative, more competitive and more profitable.”

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