Thursday 30 September 2010

Brew up an imaginative dinner party gift with Cherizena coffee

Choose a dinner party gift with a difference and opt for something original like a speciality or premium coffee from Cherizena.

The Leicestershire-based coffee specialist has a range of top quality coffees that make perfect presents for hosts…..and are much more imaginative than chocolates or flowers.

Among Cherizena’s most popular speciality coffees are Cuban Cubita, Ipanema Single Estate, and Pure Jamaican Blue.

“We’re seeing an increasing trend for guests to choose something imaginative to take with them when they go to a dinner party, and Cherizena’s premium coffees make the perfect gift,” said Kate Jones, of Cherizena. “They can be shared at the end of a dinner party, but can also be brought out again at future gatherings or enjoyed whenever the mood for coffee hits.”

Cherizena offers up to 30 single origin coffees and 20 different flavoured varieties of coffee.

It sources premium, rare and speciality coffees, as well as creating its own range of superb flavoured coffees. These popular flavoured coffees are produced by hand in small batches, using high-grade Colombian beans and the finest of flavours.

The entire flavoured range is available as regular or decaffeinated coffee. Favourite flavours include Almond Amaretto, Irish Whiskey Cream and After Dinner Mint Chocolate coffees.

Cherizena buys coffee beans direct from farmers in Brazil, Ethiopia and other countries, and then processes and flavours them at Cherizena’s premises at Wartnaby, near Melton Mowbray.

Cherizena coffee is available mail order from http://www.cherizena.co.uk/


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Tuesday 28 September 2010

55th birthday celebrations rounded off at Bunny Hill Riding Centre

A riding school on the Nottinghamshire/Leicestershire border is rounding off its 55th birthday celebrations with a social event in October.

Folk band Growling at the Badger will be playing at Bunny Hill Riding Centre near Costock on October 16th.

The equestrian centre has been staging a series of events over the past few months to celebrate its 55th birthday, including a reunion in June, which attracted more than 300 former pupils and staff.

Now the stables is holding a final birthday bash with an evening of music, which runs from 7pm to midnight on Saturday October 16th, and costs £5 a ticket, to include nibbles.

Founded by Freda and the late Bob Humphrey in 1955, Bunny Hill Riding Centre is now run by their son Sam and his wife Lou Humphrey, who offer riding lessons to people of all ages and at all stages.

The riding centre became known as the National School of Equitation in the 1960s after becoming one of the first riding stables in the UK to have an indoor riding school, until recently reverting back to its original name.

“We have really enjoyed the programme of events we’ve run to mark our special anniversary year,” said Sam Humphrey. “It’s been fantastic to see so many old friends. We hope the event on October 16th will be the chance for us to get together again, and for any of those who missed our previous events to come along and help us share our celebrations.”

Bunny Hill Riding Centre is also home to the Knights of Nottingham jousting team, which is this year celebrating its 40th birthday.

Growling at the Badger was formed by some members of the jousting troupe when they attended the World Jousting Championships in Colorado several years ago and every team was asked to perform an act of some sort.

Sam’s brother Phil Humphrey and fellow jouster Pete Webster got together with a couple of the footmen and formed the band. They have remained in the band, and are now joined on stage by other footmen and a local vet to play in the area most weekends.

During the past few months, events at the riding stables have helped to raise around £500 for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Trust, and a raffle at October’s social event will be held for the same cause.

Tickets are available from Bunny Hill Riding Centre. For further information email lou@bunnyhill.co.uk , call 01509 852366 or visit the riding centre’s website http://www.bunnyhill.co.uk/ or Facebook page.


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Bakery designed by Nottingham architect Cox Freeman rises to the top

A bakery designed by specialist food and drink sector architect Cox Freeman has been named as one of the top 50 buildings built in the East Midlands in the last 50 years.

Pork Farms’ Riverside Bakery was the only building from the 1980s in Nottinghamshire and one of only four from the decade in the region as a whole to make it onto the list compiled by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Built on a brownfield site on the north bank of the River Trent two miles from Nottingham city centre, the building was commissioned by Northern Foods as a factory for producing pork pies and pastries.

When it was opened in 1982 it was regarded as one of the most modern in Europe in design, construction and its ability to comply with stringent EEC regulations for food processing.

“At Cox Freeman, we’re absolutely thrilled that Pork Farms’ Riverside Bakery designed by the company almost 30 years ago has been hailed as one of the top 50 buildings built in the East Midlands over the past 50 years, “ said Chris Boffin, managing director of Cox Freeman, based in Stoney Street in The Lace Market, Nottingham.

“It’s a tremendous accolade to be named on the list, and especially to be one of only a handful of buildings from the 1980s to be chosen. The building was inventive because of its clear span production floor and plant room located within the roof structure. This improved its flexibility and enabled routine maintenance to take place with minimal disruption to the production process.

“The innovation was made possible by the use of modular CUBIC Space Frame roof supported on twelve braced columns around the perimeter with only three internal columns. “

The ‘fifty buildings, 50 years’ project celebrated great modern architecture in the East Midlands over the past five decades, and marked the 50th anniversary of RIBA in the region.

The chosen buildings form the subject of a major exhibition from RIBA that showcases innovative and enduring architecture from the ‘swinging sixties’ onwards. It reveals how architectural creativity is shaped by context, place, culture, social and political trends of the time and, in turn, shapes the identity of the region’s places and spaces. It is being exhibited across the East Midlands over coming months. For details of venues visit the regions’ section of www.architecture.com

Choosing 50 exemplary buildings from 50 years was ‘an incredibly challenging project’ said Nottinghamshire architect Hannah Minton, who chaired the steering group which carried out the intensive short-listing process.

Cox Freeman is a leading specialist in the food and associated process industries, where hygiene and healthcare are essential. The firm has worked for almost every key player in the food sector.

http://www.coxfreeman.co.uk/

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Monday 27 September 2010

Civil and structural engineer BSP Consulting opens a new office in Sheffield

BSP Consulting director Clive Roddick and regional manager Russell Thompson
Civil and structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has expanded to open a fourth office.


The company, which is based in Nottingham and has offices in Derby and Leicester, has opened its first office outside of the East Midlands with a branch in Sheffield.

The company has forged strong links with Sheffield over the past few years, working on a number of high-profile projects in the city and its vicinity, including the large SWaN regeneration scheme of the Scowerdons, Weakland and Newstead estates which is on-going.

“We have now decided that the time is right to have a permanent presence in Sheffield and open our fourth office in the city,” said BSP Consulting managing director David Sumner.

“Our aim has been to continue the gradual expansion of BSP Consulting, which we have achieved since launching the company in Nottingham in 1999 by opening offices in Derby and then in Leicester.

“Although these are still challenging times in the construction industry, we are taking an optimistic view and see this as a very positive move towards boosting our future and developing new markets.”

The new office will be run by BSP’s regional manager Russell Thompson, with technical and business support from BSP founding directors Clive Roddick and David Sumner, and associate director Jef Todd.

Based at Vincent House, Solly Street, Sheffield, the new office opened in early September.

BSP’s past projects in Sheffield include the £12 million Leopold Square mixed use development featuring a hotel, music venue, commercial outlets and apartments. The company was also involved in the first phase of the £51 million Kelham Island scheme to regenerate a former industrial area to create 146 apartments, 800 bed student accommodation and 3,000 sqm of commercial and retail space.

The firm is also supporting the next generation in Sheffield to learn about construction and recently delivered a session on sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) to year 10 students taking a diploma in construction. The students are taught at the Construction Design Centre, Sheffield, which is sponsored by Frank Haslam Milan as part of the commitment to the Sheffield Homes project, which BSP is involved in.

BSP Consulting, which has offices at Pride Park, Derby, Oxford Street, Nottingham, and De Montfort Street, Leicester, was founded in 1999 by directors David Sumner, Martin Breakwell, Mark Rayers and Clive Roddick. It now employs around 40 staff, working across all civil and structural engineering disciplines.

It was named Consultant of the Year 2009 at the East Midlands Property Dinner. The firm provides a comprehensive range of consultancy services to all sectors of the construction community, from architects, project managers and contractors to developers and estate agents.

BSP director Clive Roddick said: “We are very pleased to have opened our fourth office and to now have a permanent presence in the city of Sheffield. It means we now have branches in four major cities, and will help us to raise our profile in the Yorkshire area.”

For more information visit http://www.bsp-consulting.co.uk/

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Wednesday 22 September 2010

Anila’s Authentic Sauces on the road in the run up to Christmas

Anila’s Authentic Sauces will be staging stalls at a range of popular events over the coming weeks…giving customers the chance to stock up on products or buy Christmas gifts for their loved ones.

The premium curry sauce and accompaniments producer will be at the Grand Designs Live show at the NEC, Birmingham, from October 8th to 10th and at the Taste of Autumn Show at Wisley Gardens, Surrey, from October 21st to 24th.

Anila’s will also be at the Spirit of Christmas Show from November 3rd to 7th at Olympia, London, and at the Country Living Christmas Fair at the Design Centre, Islington, from November 10th to 14th.

The award-winning producer will round off November with five days at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC, Birmingham, from November 24th to 28th.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for customers to come along and buy from us directly, or to make a start on their Christmas shopping by buying our delicious curry sauces and accompaniments as gifts for any curry lovers they know,” says Anila Vaghela, who founded the family-run business of Anila’s Authentic Sauces in 1997.

Anila’s has a range of eight curry sauces, based on traditional Indian recipes. They have won 11 Great Taste Awards, and last year Anila’s Spicy Korma Curry Sauce scooped a Free From Food Award.

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as well as being sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free, they also don’t contain onions or garlic, so are perfect for those with intolerances or allergies.

The firm’s distinctive and delicious range of 16 different mouth-watering ‘handmade’ chutneys, pickles and dips are made with single fruits and vegetables, and team up perfectly with a variety of dishes, snacks, meats and cheeses.

Based in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, Anila’s also has a unit in West London.

Anila’s products are available from www.anilassauces.com or at the 28 farmers’ markets across the south listed on the website, as well as in John Lewis Oxford Street and John Lewis Bluewater. They are also sold in top quality gourmet stores, such as Harrods, plus hundreds of other outlets, including Wholefoods, Planet Organic, delis, health food stores, garden centres and gift shops.

For more information visit http://www.anilassauces.com/

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Olympic standards at Derby gym, Bottom Line Fitness

Clients at Derby personal training studio Bottom Line Fitness are getting Olympic standard training after a member of the Great Britain bobsleigh team joined the staff.

Olympic hopeful Dave Smith, 28, has become a personal trainer at the studio at Kedleston House, Prime Business Centre, Aspen Drive.

Dave is trained to work with elite athletes, but will now be offering his services to Derbyshire residents keen to improve their fitness, strength and conditioning.

This will allow him to pursue a career as well as his personal goal of competing in the bobsleigh at the next Winter Olympics in 2014 in Russia.

“I am pleased to be joining what I believe is the most exciting personal training service in Derby,” said Dave, who lives in the city centre. “Bottom Line Fitness is leading the way in terms of personal training and I recognise its methods as being the future of the health and fitness industry. The studio offers a unique focused environment that will help my clients develop and meet their fitness goals. ”

Dave, who was picked to join the GB bobsleigh team in August 2009, has recently completed an MSc in Sport & Exercise Science at Sheffield Hallam University, making him one of the highest qualified personal trainers in the area.

Bottom Line Fitness founder Neil Stanley said: “It is exciting and rewarding that Bottom Line Fitness is attracting personal trainers of Dave’s calibre. It has always been our intention to provide the highest possible standards of training to our clients and with Dave now a part of the team it only strengthens our offering to our clients.”

The studio was launched in 2009 by Neil, 30, as a private personal training venue. Clients receive one-to-one personal training, lifestyle and nutritional advice as part of their holistic approach to fitness.

Dave’s appointment brings the number of personal trainers at Bottom Line Fitness to six, with a maximum of four using the studio at any one time.

With his aim set on the next winter Olympics, Dave’s initial target is a place in the bobsleigh team for the World Championships in Germany in February 2011.

“The season starts in November,” said Dave, who has lived locally for several years after moving to the area from Hertfordshire to study at the University of Derby. “We will begin training soon, and I am really pleased that my position as a personal trainer at Bottom Line Fitness will allow me the flexibility to combine both a career in my chosen field and my personal goal of competing for Great Britain in the bobsleigh.”

Dave was persuaded to trial for the bobsleigh team by former Olympic bobsleigh athlete Phil Harries, who competed in the Winter Games in 2002, and who comes from Derby. The pair met at Derby Athletics Club.

He is hoping for the position of breakman for the GB1 team at the next Winter Olympics.

Dave is offering an initial free consultation at Bottom Line Fitness to anyone looking to address their fitness and lifestyle regime.

“This is proving very popular at the moment with the ever-increasing number of people who want to find the motivation to achieve their fitness goals,” he said.

As well as providing one-to-one personal training, Bottom Line Fitness also offers sports massage, Swedish massage, Indian head massage, reflexology and reiki.

For more information visit http://www.bottomlinefitness.co.uk/

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Food and Drink iNet event aims to capture childhood creativity

Chris Arnold
Food and drink firms in the East Midlands are being encouraged to re-ignite the creativity of children as a way of developing their businesses.

The Food and Drink Innovation Network (iNet) is staging an iThrive event designed to turn the spotlight on ways of exploiting creative potential within companies and their workforces.

Guest speaker is former creative director of one of the UK’s top advertising agencies Saatchi & Saatchi, Chris Arnold, who is an expert in creativity and its application to business. He will be encouraging delegates to re-ignite the imagination and ingenuity they experienced as children.

The iThrive event also marks the launch of a new programme of intensive business support being offered by the Food and Drink iNet to the region’s food and drink businesses.

A number of food and drink firms who attend the event will be chosen to receive the support, which features four one-day workshops guiding businesses through the new product development process - from the generation of an idea to product launch.

The iThrive new product development event and the programme of NPD support that it launches have been formulated by the Food and Drink iNet to ensure that innovation, in the form of new product development, thrives within the East Midlands food and drink sector.

“The iThrive event is an excellent opportunity for food and drink firms from across the region to focus on the importance of sparking and harnessing creativity,” said Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick. “We are delighted that Chris Arnold, who is an acknowledged expert in this subject, will be our guest speaker.

“The event also marks the start of our exclusive new programme to offer new product development support to up to ten food and drink businesses in the East Midlands. This is the perfect opportunity for companies in the sector who are interested in NPD to find out more.”

The New Product Development – Converting Creativity into Cash event is free to attend and takes place at the Pride Park Stadium, Derby, on October 12th from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Food and drink firms from Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland are eligible to attend this free event but booking is essential to guarantee a place. Email enquiries@foodanddrinkforum.co.uk or call 0115 9758810 for more information.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Monday 20 September 2010

Categories unveiled in Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010

Categories for this year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have been unveiled, with entries now being invited by organisers.

Designed to recognise and reward the most exciting developments in the East Midlands food and drink sector, the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards have five categories, plus the chance for winners to go on to become crowned the regional Food and Drink Innovation Champion 2010.

Entries are being invited for the following awards:

• University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing Award for Most Innovative Small to Medium Size Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will recognise small to medium food and drink manufacturers within the East Midlands that have championed innovation projects to improve their business.

• Campden BRI Award for Most Innovative Business Across the Food and Drink Supply Chain, which will recognise businesses working in the food and drink supply chain in the East Midlands that have undertaken an innovation project that has benefited the food and drink manufacturing sector.

• CenFRA Award for Most Innovative Research Project, which will reward the most successful research projects undertaken by universities within the East Midlands that have made a significant beneficial impact on the food and drink sector.

• Food Processing Faraday Award for Most Innovative Large Food and Drink Manufacturer, which will go to a large food and drink manufacturer in the East Midlands that has championed innovation projects to improve their business.

• Nottingham Trent University Award for Most Innovative Business in the Wider Food Sector, which will recognise innovation in a food or drink firm that is not a manufacturer. This could include primary producers, restaurants, caterers, delis and local food retailers.

The winner of the Food and Drink Forum Innovation Champion Award 2010 will be picked from the winners of the five categories.

The awards, which are being held for the third year, will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner sponsored by Derby College in November.

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “Last year’s entries for The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards were impressive and we are looking forward to receiving this year’s nominations which I am sure will reflect the exciting innovation going on in the food industry and associated areas within the region.”

Application forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food now with the closing date for entries October 15th 2010.

Mike Carr, East Midlands Development Agency’s (emda’s) Executive Director of Business Services, said: “I hope that many of the food and drink companies from across the East Midlands enter these awards. It is not only an opportunity for them to be recognised for their achievements, but it is also a chance for them to showcase their innovations in a way that may help them gain an all important competitive edge in their markets.”

Funded by emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four regional iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs.

The Food and Drink iNet also aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes. It is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Thursday 16 September 2010

Grant-funded graduate recruitment for the East Midlands food and drink sector evolves

East Midlands food and drink firms with hard-to-fill vacancies are being advised to explore a new technical recruitment opportunity.

Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum has teamed up with graduate recruitment experts HotProspects on a two-year project to offer small and medium-sized food and drink companies grants towards the cost of recruiting a graduate, either for specific projects or for permanent placements.

Now HotProspects has launched a new technical recruitment arm to address the needs of those in the sector with a more technically demanding focus.

With some of the most important technical abilities being learned after university, HotProspects² specialises in finding those graduates with specific skills and up to five years industry experience. At the same time, HotProspects continues to focus on the retention of fresh graduates, providing grant funded graduate recruitment through till 2011.

HotProspects² project manager Elizabeth Andrzejewski-Wilson said: “Since the launch of HotProspects back in 2006, the brand and the team has evolved, and it soon became clear that our strength lay in our ability to source those technically focused graduates with niche skill sets.

“Specific or rare skills sets can be very hard to find, especially in the food and drink sector where skills shortages have long held back business growth. Hence, HotProspects² was born.”

The new service allows businesses to pick and choose the elements they require, from a targeted marketing campaign through to full service graduate recruitment.

“We have taken what we believe are some of the strongest elements of the original service and developed them for a targeted market, allowing us to ensure we are best placed to meet their needs. Our fees are still fixed and agreed at the start, based on time expended, not a percentage of salary,” said Elizabeth.

“The HotProspects service continues to provide small business in the food and drink sector with grant-funded graduate recruitment within the East Midlands, meaning the standard recruitment process can be accessed at no cost to the business. Whilst HotProspects² allows those with more complex requirements to access the support they need.”

Grant funding of £1,000 per business is available for a limited period, thanks to funding that has been made available in partnership from East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

This can be put towards the cost of the HotProspects² service, as well as being used for HotProspects’ graduate recruitment.

For more information, contact Gemma Baguley at The Food and Drink Forum on 0115 9758810.

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Leicestershire food and drink firms asked to help shape exciting new strategy

Plans to build on Leicestershire’s £600 million food and drink economy are swinging into action.

Business support organisation The Food and Drink Forum is co-ordinating the drawing up of a strategy to help ensure that Leicestershire has the place it deserves on the UK’s food and drink map.

The Forum is working on a blueprint to fly the flag for Leicestershire food and drink products, help businesses in the sector to grow and develop, and to create tourism and promotional opportunities linked to food and drink.

And it is launching the initiative by asking those closest to the industry - those who run food and drink businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire –what they need to help drive forward the food and drink economy of the city and the county.

Two consultation events are being staged later this month to gauge opinions and help shape the strategy to ensure that Leicestershire is regarded as a centre of excellence for food and drink in the future.

“The Food and Drink Forum aims to work closely with local producers, restaurateurs, retailers and hospitality companies to create a strategy and action plan that will help develop food and drink networks, support skills and training activities, and encourage business and infrastructure development, along with promoting healthy eating,” said Food and Drink Forum operations manager Briony Clarke.

“These two business consultation events will be an important first step in canvassing views of those working in the industry locally, and we are very keen to hear from as many as possible who would like to attend.

“A great deal of effort has been put in by many organisations and individuals over several years to ensure that Leicestershire has a successful and vibrant food and drink sector. This strategy will build on past work, current initiatives, and drive the sector forward. ”

The events run between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday 29th September at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, near Loughborough, and at Flamingo Bar & Grill, Loughborough Road, Leicester, on Thursday 30th September, and include a networking supper.

Leicestershire has a rich heritage when it comes to food and drink, with a diverse mix of rural and city-based producers and manufacturers of differing sizes. It is home to many household names like United Biscuits, Walkers, Pukka Pies and Everards, as well as producers of ethnic foods, artisan items and traditional products. Some are recognised around the world, and others have a very strong regional identity, such as Stilton and Melton Mowbray pork pies. Melton Mowbray is branded as the UK rural capital of food.

The Food and Drink Forum is drawing up the strategy on behalf of the Leicester and Leicestershire Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) Partnership, with support from the Leicestershire Rural Partnership (LRP).

Established in 1998, the Food and Drink Forum is a membership-led organisation that stimulates and supports the sustainable development of the sector in the East Midlands. It is run by a team of food industry professionals who have first hand knowledge of a wide range of business issues, including logistics, business development, sales and marketing. It has a Board of industry owner/managers.

The consultation events are open to those running businesses across the sector in Leicester and Leicestershire. For more information and to book a place call 0115 9758810 or visit http://www.foodanddrinkforum.co.uk/

Thursday 9 September 2010

Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards 2010 launched

Last year's Innovation Champion Dr Fengge Gao, from Nottingham Trent University's School of Science and Technology, with Fiona Anderson, MD of award sponsors The Food and Drink Forum


The search for the most exciting developments in the East Midlands food and drink sector has begun with the launch of the 2010 Food and Drink innovation Network (iNet) Innovation Awards.

The awards aim to recognise and reward the use of innovation in the food and drink sector in the region as a way of boosting development, profitability or growth.

Being held for the third year, the awards will turn the spotlight on outstanding inventions or products, exceptional creativity, and innovative working practices in the industry across the East Midlands.

Last year’s Food and Drink iNet Innovation Champion was Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology who took the title for the development of an exciting new material for food and drink packaging.

Experts at the university successfully solved the problem of leaching in bottles and have taken the technology a step further to add antimicrobial properties which kill or lessen micro-organisms.

Dr Fengge Gao, from Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, said: “The benefits of winning the award have gone far beyond our original expectations. The recognition for our technology opened the door to the outside world and the publicity reached every continent. We are now in a much better position with regards to technology transfer, attracting external funding and collaborating with leading industry institutions across the globe.”

Now the hunt has begun for this year’s worthy winners across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Food and Drink iNet director Andrew Butterwick said: “The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards have become an important date on the calendar for recognizing and celebrating the innovation that is going on in the East Midlands’ food and drink sector. In previous years we have seen some truly exciting developments in the industry and I am delighted to announce that the awards will be held again this year.”

The Food and Drink iNet Innovation Awards will have a number of categories open to firms, organisations and individuals working across the food and drink sector, with entries being invited now. The Innovation Awards will culminate in a glittering ceremony in November, where the winners will be crowned in front of their industry peers.

Forms are available to download from the Food and Drink iNet website www.eminnovation.org.uk/food

Mike Carr, emda’s Executive Director of Business Services, said: “The food and drink industry is very important to the East Midlands and the iNet is playing a significant role in supporting innovation in this sector. These awards recognise and celebrate exciting innovations that have serious market potential, stimulating East Midlands firms and research centres to explore and develop new ideas, technologies and products.”

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it strives to develop an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food




Tuesday 7 September 2010

Anila's Authentic Sauces to attend the Prince of Wales' Eco-Festival

Anila’s Authentic Sauces has been chosen as an exemplary local food business to attend a farmers’ market at ‘A Garden Party to Make a Difference’, 8 -19 September, in the historic gardens of Marlborough, Lancaster and Clarence Houses and along the Mall in London.

The 12-day festival is part of the national Start initiative launched in February by The Prince of Wales, and will play host to spectacular installations, concerts, fashion demonstrations, food, debates, gardening, music and comedy by many household names, but all sharing the single theme of sustainability. A full line-up can be viewed at http://www.startgardenparty.co.uk/

The farmers’ market will be centre stage at the food area of the show, hosted by Kate Humble, amidst cookery demos by celebrity and local chefs. Anila Vaghela, who operates Anila’s Authentic Sauces based in Walton-on-Thames and Hounslow will be one of the producers attending the farmers’ market on September 9th and 10th and will be selling her range of curry sauces, pickles, chutneys and dips.

Laura Waterton of FARMA, which represents farmers’ markets across the UK and are supporters of Start, commented, “FARMA is delighted to be working with some excellent local food and craft producers from farmers’ markets across the South of England at such a high profile event as A Garden Party to Make a Difference. We are thrilled that Anila’s Authentic Sauces are able to be part of the area as it will give them the opportunity to showcase their fantastic food to a great audience.”

http://www.anilassauces.com/

Monday 6 September 2010

Nottingham Language Academy opens

Linda Walker outside Nottingham Language Academy
A new language school offering tuition to individuals and businesses has opened in Nottingham.

Nottingham Language Academy based at The Ropewalk in the city is offering modern language classes in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Greek and Japanese, as well as English as a foreign language.

It has been launched by Linda Walker, who has worked in further education for more than 20 years as a college lecturer and then senior manager, and is being staffed by 12 teachers who are all native speakers in the language they teach.

“Nottingham Language Academy is the first teaching establishment of its kind in the city, offering both modern languages and English as a foreign language,” said Linda.

“I’m very excited to be opening something which I hope will be a great resource for both the business community in Nottingham and individuals who want to learn a new language or improve their English, if English is not their first language.”

Classes are being run during the day, evenings and at weekends, and are designed for people who want to improve their job prospects, travel and see the world, live and work abroad, gain a place at university or learn something new for the fun of it.

The modern foreign languages courses are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which now forms the basis of language teaching and learning in most EU countries.

Taster sessions are being offered, as well as general courses.

Linda, who lives in Long Eaton and is a Business Language Champion in the East Midlands, said: “Our first classes start in October, and are aimed at individuals and businesses, from beginner to advanced level. Our school will offer the opportunity for people to learn in small groups in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

“We offer one-to-one classes and general classes in inspirational surroundings, and can also provide tailor-made sessions for businesses that want training for their staff.”

Through her involvement as a Business Language Champion, Linda is determined that the Nottingham Language Academy will embrace the concept of corporate social responsibility from the start.

This voluntary programme brings together business people using languages with schools, to help show young people how useful a language can be in their careers. It enables businesses to be involved in a number of ways (short talks, workshops and seminars), and Linda hopes that a long term partnership with a local school can be arranged soon after the start of the autumn term.

Nottingham Language Academy is based at 8 The Ropewalk, Nottingham. For more information visit http://www.nottinghamlanguageacademy.co.uk/ or call 0330 333 6192.

Bakery innovator Butt Foods launches first tiger panini breads at Lunch! 2010

A new range of panini breads with real bite is being launched by bakery innovator Butt Foods Ltd at contemporary food trade show Lunch! 2010.

The tiger paninis, which come in three flavours, are believed to be the first tiger paninis created for the food service market.

The three products in the range – tiger panini, chilli tiger panini and Italian style tiger panini – are being unveiled for the first time to trade customers at the show, which runs from 30th September to 1st October at Old Billingsgate, London.

Aimed at sandwich manufacturers, cafés and coffee shops, pub chains, retail bakers, in-store restaurants and food service wholesalers, they have been designed to meet the increasing demands from customers for interesting snacks and alternative panini breads.

At the same time, Butt Foods is also unveiling sliced versions of its popular Big Softy range of sub rolls, which went on sale earlier this year and which have seen tremendous growth. Baked in foot-long moulds and also available in 8 inch sizes, the sub roll is available in five flavours - plain white, plain brown, semolina topped white, honey and oats topped brown, and cheese and herb topped white.

“We are excited to be launching our new tiger panini bread range at Lunch! 2010,” said Butt Foods sales and marketing director David Williams.

“It is estimated that there are around 52 million paninis sold every year in UK coffee shops alone. Add the number sold in sandwich shops and pubs, and it’s possible that more than 75 million paninis are served up every year.

“This market is forecast to grow 30% between 2009 and 2012, so we see tremendous potential for Butt Foods’ new tiger panini range, which brings an exciting twist to the panini breads currently available for the food service market. Not only does the tiger panini look distinctive when compared to traditional plain panini breads, we have created a range that can be used for different eating occasions.

“Both tiger breads and paninis have proven appeal with customers, so by combining the two we believe we have a product that should go down really well. ”

The three flavours available are:


• Tiger panini – with rice flour crust

• Chilli tiger panini - chilli and paprika crust, and known as ‘the tiger with bite!’

• Italian style tiger - Italian hard cheese and herb crust


Tiger bread originates from The Netherlands, and was introduced to the UK around 2005. Tiger bread, tiger loaf or Dutch crunch is made with a pattern baked into the top created by painting rice paste onto the surface of the dough before baking. The paste dries and cracks during baking, creating a two-colour effect similar to a tiger's markings. The rice paste crust also gives the bread a distinctive flavour – creating a tasty product with a crusty exterior that’s soft inside.

Butt Foods’ new tiger paninis are pre-sliced for efficiency, are frozen and are conveniently packed in re-sealable bags of eight. As well as being suitable for panini machines, they can also be filled and reheated in an oven in just 6 minutes.

Based in Nottingham, Butt Foods produces up to 60 million products a year to food service and other sectors.

Visit http://www.buttfoods.co.uk/

Hospice benefits from pub fund-raising events in Leicester

More than £2,000 has been collected for hospice charity LOROS by two Leicester pubs.

Annual music festival Glastontree, which was staged at The Orange Tree in High Street, raised £1,548 for the Leicestershire and Rutland hospice.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the 13-hour music extravaganza last month which featured a host of Leicester bands, DJs and solo artists, including Grace Petrie who performed at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

The event coincided with the Summer Sundae Fringe Festival in Leicester, and The Orange Tree’s sister pub, The Lansdowne in London Road, netted £630 at its Summer Sundae Fringe Party, which is also being donated to LOROS.

“Glastontree has now raised around £10,000 for various charities since it was first held in 2005, which is fantastic news,” said Ben Hings, managing director of the Orange Tree Group.

“We’re delighted that once again this year’s event was so well supported and that we’ve collected more than £1,500 for LOROS. Add to that the £630 raised at The Lansdowne’s Summer Sundae Fringe Party and we are pleased to say that we will be donating more than £2,100 to the local hospice. We’d like to thank all our regulars, everyone who took part in Glastontree and also local shops and businesses who generously donated prizes for a raffle, which helped us to raise so much money.”

It was the sixth Glastontree event to be held by The Orange Tree.

http://www.orangetree.co.uk/

Thursday 2 September 2010

Food and Drink iNet support helps coffee supplier Shelton Imports to win new orders

Left to right, Food and Drink iNet advisor for Leicestershire Stevie Jackson and Ximena Shelton, from Shelton Imports, look at the new menus
Coffee specialist Shelton Imports has won an order from prestigious store Harrods and begun selling to a whole new market after receiving support from the Food and Drink iNet.

The Leicestershire-based company supplies flavoured Colombian coffee cubes in individual wraps direct to customers via its website and to retailers like delicatessens and farm shops.

But now the firm has also moved into the food service sector and begun selling to coffee shops and restaurants after receiving support worth £400 through the Food and Drink iNet for the design of a stylish coffee menu.

The menu and other promotional materials have also caught the eye of buyers at Harrods, who are putting Shelton’s products on their shelves in October.

“The iNet’s support has been fantastic because it’s helping to open up possibilities in completely different markets for us,” said Ximena Shelton, who runs Shelton Imports with husband Steven.

“The menu is a great showcase for what we sell. It’s helped us gain new customers in food service, and was instrumental in us winning a contract to supply to Harrods. It’s also helping me to give a better service to delis and farm shops because I have also been able to create new point of sale material.”

Launched in 2009 and based in Kibworth, Shelton Imports sells a range of seven different flavoured coffee cubes, as well as roasted coffee beans covered in chocolate and traditional coffee. It specialises in individually wrapped cubes of coffee that can be instantly prepared using hot water to create a fresh cup of coffee.

The firm now has 46 stockists across the UK, from Kent to Scotland, including seven coffee shops and restaurants.

Shelton Imports received £400 worth of Innovation, Advice and Guidance support from the iNet. The company matched this support with its own investment.

The iNet helps food and drink firms engage expertise from academia, research institutions and specialist business advice for innovation projects to develop new ideas, new products, new processes and to help companies grow. 50% of the equivalent cash value of the support must be contributed by the company.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink iNet co-ordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands. One of four iNets, it strives to develop an effective network to encourage the collaboration of academic expertise and knowledge, and local food and drink business innovation needs.

It aims to build on the tradition of innovation in the food and drink industry in the region by helping to create opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, and to help research, develop and implement new products, markets, services and processes.

The Food and Drink iNet is managed by a consortium, led by the Food & Drink Forum and including Food Processing Faraday, Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln, and the University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with advisors covering the East Midlands region.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk/food