Behind the scenes of the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) in Holbeach
A new centre which bosses say could be vital to the future of global food production has been officially opened.
The South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) will also be having a big impact on the South Holland economy by bringing together businesses and scientists on one site in Holbeach.
Lincolnshire County Council’s Hub for Agricultural businesses was officially opened last week - bringing an end to the first phase of the £16million development.
Ribbons were also cut for the The University of Lincoln’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) and The Institute of Technology Digital Food Manufacturing Centre on Thursday.
Prof Val Braybrooks, Dean of the NCFM, told the opening ceremony that partnerships are being forged with Jamaica and Iceland along with helping firms in Africa.
She said: “We are excited with this development and looking forward to helping small and medium businesses.
“We are a major resource for the food manufacturing sector.”
Prof Braybrooks, who also paid tribute to Tony Worth and Andrew Stevenson, said the centre had gone from strength to strength and is helping to raise aspirations of school children in the area.
She also said that the centre’s relationships with employers such as Bakkavor, Nestle and Coca Cola, have stood the test of time.
Prof Braybrooks said that NCFM’s Park Road campus received its first investment in 2004 - at a time when the food sector was not on the ‘radar’.
She said: “Our pioneering attitude cannot stop.”
The Hub is one of the last buildings on this first phase to be completed.
It boasts more than 20 offices spread over two floors with eight industrial units. Some of the units have been lined ready for laboratory use.
There are already two prospective tenants and another firm is looking to take over the cafe section of the building.
Coun Colin Davie, the county’s executive member for economy, said: “There are 28 acres of land in joint ownership of Lincolnshire County Council and South Holland District Council. It will give the FEZ the potential to create even more grown on space.
“We have had positive engagement from prospective tenants.”
The district council’s deputy leader Nick Worth highlighted the impact of the FEZ on Holbeach and added that one firm is making a move onto the site.
He said: “It provides great opportunities for our young people to learn new skills and move away from the low skill economy that has dominated our area for too long.
“The massive amount of investment in the FEZ has had a positive effect on the town and it has given confidence for businesses to invest in it.
“The FEZ with its links to the university and associations with Boston College and food businesses have made it for South Holland District Council the jewel in the crown of our local economy.”
One of the local businesses which is associated with the NCFM is Lincolnshire Field Products.
It’s owner Robin Hancox said: “It is fantastic and puts South Lincolnshire on the map.”
Visitors were able to get a taste of some of lessons enjoyed by university and school students.
Senior lecturer Oluseyi Moses Ajayi and apprentice Oliver Horne promote advancements in automation thanks to Tiago the robot.
He also demonstrated the progress in automation by programming a robotic arm to pick out blue sweets from a conveyor belt.
Passionate Mr Ajayi has been inspiring local school children with the demonstrations.
He said: “We want to show that food is not just about cooking or the kitchen but we can apply science to solve issues like the shortage of labour
“This is something that can help to support the food sector.”
While lecuturers Charlotte Bailey and Carol Baxter were highlighting why communication is important in the supply chain using an online game.
