About us

This region is rich with ideas, entrepreneurs and raw ingredients. It's ideal for a growing food innovation community

A picture of robotic arms tending to crops
A picture of robotic arms tending to crops

About us

The Broadland Food Innovation Centre project is a focused public-private-research partnership which champions the food and drink economy in Norfolk and Suffolk.

It backs the ambition of SMEs and entrepreneurs with a food innovation centre, innovation support and an innovation cluster which links organisations seeking opportunities, access and connections to markets, funding and investment.

Perfect for a growing food business, debating its next move.

Broadland Food Innovation Centre - Expect to grow and thrive

The Broadland Food Innovation Centre for food and drink SMEs and start-ups is offering the optimum environment for innovation and growth, combining bespoke facilities, specialist support, cluster membership and a community of like-minded businesses on the Food Enterprise Park near Norwich. Led by partner Broadland District Council.

Innovation Support - Expect bespoke expertise

The experienced business growth team is providing bespoke advice and guidance for food and drink start-ups and SMEs which includes access to specialist consultants. Projects and consultants are matched via the Dynamic Purchasing System and consultants are invited to apply on a continuous basis. Led by partner Hethel Innovation.

Innovation Cluster - Expect to meet people who will make a difference

This emerging cluster in Norfolk and Suffolk is linking organisations interested in the commercial benefits of food innovation and the future of food. If your organisation is engaged with the food supply chain, the cluster is welcoming members focused on building resilience through innovation. Led by the University of East Anglia.


Meet The Team

Success for food businesses drives this team. These are dedicated, inquisitive and passionate individuals, drawn from across the project partners, working together to help food and drink businesses grow and succeed. They also love food.

Jordan Sharman

ERDF Project Manager

jsharman@hethelinnovation.com

Nick Smith

ERDF Food Business Advisor

nsmith@hethelinnovation.com

Alex Larter

Food Innovation Cluster Manager

alexander.larter@uea.ac.uk


Funding and Partners

The project has received up to £5.7 m of funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund.

This project is supported by New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, which has contributed £4.14m - £2.7m from the HM Government Getting Building Fund and £1.44m from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership Growing Places Fund. The balance of funds come from Broadland District Council, the University of East Anglia and Hethel Innovation.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.

A picture of a building.

Broadland District Council

About this partner

Picture of the UEA grounds

University of East Anglia

About this partner

Picture of Hethel Innovation Centre

Hethel Innovation

About this partner

New Anglia LEP

About this partner

European Regional Development Fund

About this partner

Our Events

See our upcoming events

Mar 29
On Site

Nourish: Food and Drink Innovation Conference

29th March, 2023

The East of England's first annual Food & Drink Innovation Conference, join us for inspiring talks, workshops and unique opportunities.

Apr 17
Online

Grant Funding for Food and Drink Businesses

17th April, 2023

Here to help you find the local funding to grow, innovate, diversify and scale up your food and drink production business.

Apr 18
On Site

Plant-Based Protein Innovation Platform

18th April, 2023

Join us and discuss how to expand the production of plant-based protein within the East of England's supply chain.

Apr 26
Online

How to do your own PR with Polly Robinson

26th April, 2023

Join us on this interactive webinar to get confident managing the PR for your Food and Drink business.

View more of Our Events