The agri-food sector underpins the economy of Boston, accounting for 29% of local jobs compared to 4% nationally, meaning there is strong growth potential for this sector within Boston. This potential has led to the establishment of the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics.
The centre has been funded through Boston Town Deal and offers free business support, training, networking opportunities, and access to capital grants for businesses within Boston town that are keen to develop and grow.
Set up by the University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) with Boston College, the centre’s services are open to any business involved in the food chain in any way – which could include food manufacturing, food retailers, restaurants and cafes, food supplies, engineering, and professional services, amongst many other sectors.
Since the centre’s launch earlier this summer, 12 local businesses have already enrolled or are in the process of doing so and will be able to benefit from the range of services the centre offers. These services include support that can help businesses to increase productivity and profitability, and create jobs.
And, the businesses will also have access to a team of experts through a dedicated consultancy service.
In addition, businesses can take part in training programmes and networking events, and they could also apply for capital grants of up to £5k towards the purchase of equipment that they may need.
We are here to support businesses in Boston to maximise their potential by providing advice, guidance, expert knowledge, and training.
Our role is to work with businesses in the food chain – and the scope of the businesses that can access our services is not limited to those that are delivering food services.
It is fantastic to see Boston businesses already signing up, which underlines the ambition that exists in our town. We’re looking forward to working with these businesses and supporting them to thrive.
If any business is interested in finding out more about how we can help you, please do get in touch.
David ThorpeProgramme Manager
It is fantastic to see that the centre is already making an impact with local businesses.
The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics is an important Town Deal project as it will play a role in increasing skills and knowledge, creating employment, and supporting the economy of our town.
We hope that many more businesses will follow in the footsteps of these first businesses that have signed up to access the support and training that could make a real and significant impact to them.
Neil KempsterChair of the Boston Town Deal Board
Any business wishing to find up more can contact Programme Manager, David Thorpe at dthorpe@lincoln.ac.uk