A partnership which is committed to helping support the economy has enlisted the services of the specialist team of experts to help drive forward the food and drink economy of Leicester and Leicestershire.

The Leicester and Leicestershire Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) Partnership, with support from the Leicestershire Rural Partnership (LRP), is pleased to announce that it has secured The Food and Drink Forum Ltd to act as the local food and drink co-ordinator.

With support from The Food and Drink Forum, the partnership will be working with a range of businesses and partner organisations across the city and county to ensure that it is regarded as a centre of excellence for food and drink.

The Food and Drink Forum will be working to develop a strategy and action plan which will help develop food and drink networks, support skills and training activities, develop tourism and promotional opportunities and support business and infrastructure development along with promoting healthy eating.

MAA Partnership spokesman Andrew Granger said: “Food and drink is becoming an increasingly important part of Leicester and Leicestershire’s economy; being currently valued at over £600 million. In order to make sure this figure increases we need to make sure we have the correct industry expertise which I’m delighted to say that The Food and Drink Forum has an excellent track record of providing”.