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

Celia Holt

Food Advisor

celia@chilfoodsolutions.com

Charlotte Beach

Marketing & Events Coordinator

c.beach@uea.ac.uk

Laura Triana Africano

Marketing & Events Graduate Intern

l.triana-africano@uea.ac.uk

Martin Burchett

Relationship & Project Administrator

m.burchett@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

Jun 13
On Site

How to: work with influencers to increase brand awareness

13th June, 2023

Join us in this workshop to understand how to work with influencers to increase your brand awareness and build a loyal audience

Jun 15
On Site

Exporting overseas: top tips to expand your food and drink business

15th June, 2023

Exporting overseas: top tips to expand your food and drink business

Jun 21
On Site

The Summer Snowcase

21st June, 2023

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a festive trends workshop, evening networking and meet our resident businesses.

View more of Our Events