Thursday 31 July 2014

WEBSITE EVENT LISTING


As a member of Select Lincolnshire for Food, you can submit your consumer events to be listed on the official Select Lincolnshire website’s event page.

How to do it
Just send your event information to Gillian.Richardson@Lincs-Chamber.co.uk
And don’t forget to include:
  • The title of your event
  • Dates
  • Location and parking
  • Website addresses and associated social media handles for Facebook and twitter
  • Venue address and phone number
  • Any special activities / VIP appearances taking place
  • Some great pictures!

EXPORTING TO POLAND AND ROMANIA

Image Credit: Janos Balazs

Good news for food and drink producers in the Lincolnshire area wishing to increase their exporting footprint into Central Europe.

Representatives from the British Chambers of Commerce in Poland and Romania and in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and “Select Lincolnshire for Food” are holding an export seminar on this sector on the morning of the 10th September at the Bentley Hotel, Newark Road, South Hykeham, Lincoln, LN6 9NH.

Why come along to this event.., well according to HMRC, Poland for instance is the 2nd fastest export market for food and drink in the EU with general exports increasing by 10% year on year. It is the largest Central and Eastern Europe country population wise with 39 million people followed by Romania with 22 million and, for the CEE as a whole, a combined population of 100 million.

Rising middle classes, an increasing disposable income and a strong taste for UK products makes this a regional market that cannot be ignored.

There will be overviews of the two countries, the opportunities there for the sector, the best way to enter the markets, advice on the do’s and don’ts,  and an opportunity to get a real feel for the markets with one to one meetings with the Polish and Romanian  Chambers’ personnel.

The chambers will also advise on the help they can afford in country with their access to customers, distributors and agents, logistics, access to translation and other services plus any legal requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity to see whether these markets are right for you now, or in the near future.

Presenter Marek Schejbal
Mark has lived and worked in Poland for many years and has developed and successfully managed the “Taste of Britain” Spring 2014 edition.

He set up and managed “One Agenda” a consultancy providing Research, Market Entry, Supply Chain and
Management services for companies developing business in CEE - from Poland to Turkey.

Some top-line results include:
  • Market entry process for over 200 companies from numerous countries
  • Approx. 50% from UK across various sectors from SMEs to large corporations
  • Managed group projects for inbound Trade Missions to Poland from: Turkey, Greece, UK, Korea and Brazil. And outbound to UK, Russia and Ukraine.
  • Introduced and acted as agent for Sharwoods product range of sauces in Poland.
  • Set up and managed supply chains in CEE for Asda, Walmart, Kingfisher (B&Q, Castorama).

Former CEO of international advertising networks in Poland: Ogilvy & Mather Group, GGK Direct (Lowe Group).

Presenter Richard Reese
Richard Reese is a successful entrepreneur in professional services. Richard set up and built out one of the leading management training companies in Romania, as well as a sales development company oriented towards sustainable results and a coaching company.

Now he is leading the professional business centre at the British‐Romanian Chamber of Commerce to actively attract and help British businesses find their way to Romanian markets. Richard is currently CEO at the British‐Romanian Chamber of Commerce,where he runs a project on increasing British investments in and export to Romania, financed by the UK government.

He selected a team of professionals to make solid information available about opportunities in Romania, draft business intelligence reports, provide entry support and sustain existing British business all over Romania. His aim is to make the service centre fully self‐sustainable in maximum 3 years.


Agenda
08.30 -09.15 Registration and refreshments.

09.15 -09.25 Prompt start .Welcome and introduction. Louis Balestrini Regional Coordinator East Midlands’ Chambers of Commerce.

09.25 – 11.00 Poland. Food and beverage opportunities. Marek Schejbal, Senior consultant British Polish chamber of Commerce.

11.00 -11.15 Break

11.15 -12.00 Romania. Food and beverage opportunities. Richard Reese CEO British Romanian Chamber of Commerce.
12.00 – onwards Buffet lunch networking, and one to one opportunity to meet the Chamber representatives.

The event will be open to producers of food and drink and associated industries.

Small samples and/or literature can be brought, be sure to bring your business cards.

Video link to the British Polish Business Centre in Warsaw. bit.ly/1kK350o 


To book your place please follow this link. 

Wednesday 30 July 2014

SELECT PRODUCERS GO NATIONAL AT MEETING SHOW 2014

Meet Lincoln, the business arm of Visit Lincoln, attended the annual Meeting Show in London to promote the conference and venue offering of the city to event buyers from across the globe.


Flying the flag for Lincolnshire on the exhibition stand were also some award winning Select Lincolnshire producers, including Modens, Stokes of Lincoln, Goodies of Lincoln, Pipers Crisps,  and the Cheese Society.


Clare Williams, marketing co-ordinator for Visit Lincoln organised Meet Lincoln’s exhibition stand for the Meeting Show.
“The three day event stood Lincoln shoulder-to-shoulder with other UK and international destinations that offer conference and event facilities”, she said.

“Overall the Meeting Show attracted 3,000 walk in visitors and 750 hosted event buyers, all of whom were looking for new city venues to host their conferences and events. We were thrilled with the attention that our exhibition stand generated, and we left the event with many new enquires and contacts that we’re following up on now.

“One of the main draws of our stand was the local Lincolnshire produce that was on offer - in particular the Moden’s plum bread! Having a unique, yet quality offering in Lincoln really caught the attention of the event buyers. And we are now working hard to turn some of those enquiries into large scale event bookings for the city”.


Attending the Meeting Show with Meet Lincoln was Lincolnshire Showground and BG Venues.

Support was also offered by Flowers by Suzanne, Modens, Stokes of Lincoln, Goodies of Lincoln, Pipers Crisps, DoubleTree By Hilton, Lincoln University, White Hart Hotel and the Cheese Society.

LEADER RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

Image Credit: Nicholas A. Tonelli
Bid applications for the Leader Rural Development Programme are currently in progress for January 2015. 

The focus for the new programme is on growth and jobs with funding going to schemes that;
  • Improve rural life and businesses 
  • Promote environmentally friendly ways of managing land 
  • Sustain existing and create new areas of woodlands 
  • Increase Farming and Forestry productivity 
  • Support Natural and Cultural Heritage 
  • Provision of rural services 
  • Support Micro and small businesses and farm diversification 
  • Increase Rural Tourism 

You may be able to apply for funding if you’re:
  • a farmer or grower, 
  • a rural business owner, 
  • living in a rural community, including market towns and villages, managing land or woodland.
Contact us for more information on this scheme or to make an appointment to discuss whether your business might be eligible to apply.

The initial consultation is free and without obligation.

Call 01778 424640 or visit www.business-growth.net

SWEET INVITATION FOR LINCOLN “JAMBASSADOR"



Excitement is mounting for top Lincoln jam-maker Jenny Smith, who is to play a starring role in a worldwide competition.

The owner of Jenny’s Jams, who lives in Carlton Boulevard, has been invited to use her expertise to help find the winners in this year’s hotly-contested World Jampionships. Jam-lovers from around the globe can’t resist the challenge!

Jenny is a passionate “jambassador” and the brains behind a hugely popular range, comprising eight homemade jams, 11 chutneys and eight marmalades, and she can’t wait for next month’s judging.

The event, which is backed by Grimsby-based jam jars manufacturer Pattesons Glass Limited and headline sponsor Scottish jam and marmalade-maker Mackays, from Arbroath, will mean Jenny has to pack her bags and head off for Blairgowrie to meet her fellow distinguished judges.

“I’m really honoured to be asked. It’s going to be so exciting and I’m eagerly awaiting to hear about which class I shall be judging. Jam-making isn’t always easy, but I shall be on the lookout for jams with a good colour, great depth of flavour and superb consistency,” she said.

Jenny, who is a member of the promotional group Select Lincolnshire for Food, supplies Lincolnshire Co-operative, Lincolnshire farm shops including Uncle Henry’s (Grayingham) and The Pink Pig (near Scunthorpe), with her products.




Shoppers also flock to her stall at the Lincoln High Street, City Square and Castle Hill Farmers’ Markets, to buy their favourite jams and taste new seasonal favourites.

But people wondering how on earth she won the chance to officiate at the high profile Jampionships , should tune into the power of social media!

Apart from giving talks to leisure interest groups and demonstrating her craft, Jenny also keeps in touch with customers and friends via Twitter and Facebook!

“One day there was a knock on my door and I opened it to find Tracey Baxter, the founder and organiser of the World Jampionships. She introduced herself, said she had seen my website and I invited her for a cuppa and a chat,” said Jenny.

“I am quite active on Twitter and other social media channels and they obviously get you noticed, because that is how Tracey spotted me. She went on to track me down and invited me to be a World Jampionships’ judge.

“I thought this sounds brilliant and I can’t wait to find out which class I will be judging. Seeing as I haven’t had a holiday since 2009, because I am so busy with the business, it will also be a fabulous opportunity to take a little break.”

Tracey Baxter of The Extra Mile Marketing, who is originally from the Grantham area of Lincolnshire – but who is now based in Scotland – is the driving force behind the World Jampionships, which also raises funds for the charity Wish Upon A Star.

“The competition is all about keeping traditional methods of jam and jelly-making alive, celebrating people’s skills and raising standards. Entries have to be in by August 15 and the winners will be announced at the Dundee Food & Flower Festival on September 6,” she said.

“There is still time for people to enter and they can take their pick from eight categories - Artisan, Homemade, First Time Entrants, One Jammy Man (which is for gentlemen only), World Wide Women’s Institute Members, Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Self-Catering, Team Effort and Junior Jam Makers.”

For further information, please contact Jenny Smith on (01522) 534405 

SCRUBBYS "SCRUB UP" AFTER DRAGON'S DEN


Scrubby's recently showcased their products on the popular BBC2 programme, Dragon's Den.

The company launched two years ago, and in the past three months have been stocked by online supermarket Ocado and it was recently announced that Waitrose will also stock Scrubbys crisps.

Not only have they taken supermarkets by storm but Scrubbys have also been take on by some very well known London stockists such as Harrods and Fortnum and Mason.

Although the husband and wife team did not achieve the investment they were looking for, Claire Brumby remains positive.

"We were really overwhelmed with all the well-wishers - the response from the general public. Kelly Hoppen and Duncan Bannatyne have been in touch too, the whole experience was surreal.

"We were actually proud just to get through the selection period, as thousands and thousands apply. Then to be selected for the first show. We got an offer, and there is no such thing as bad publicity"

Claire also mentioned how proud she is of the achievements Scrubby's have already achieved despite the Dragon's harsh and dramatic criticism.

"Doing what we have done in two years, to introduce a brand in a competitive market, makes us very proud. Everyone in the food industry, and in business generally, will understand that when it is dramatised it looks just that, dramatic. They want the viewing figures. When you sit down and look at it, and what we have done, with major listings throughout the country, we think we have done really well, and everyone is saying that."

The couple from Elsham, both with backgrounds in agriculture and marketing, started out in local farm shops and deli's. Originally with only one flavour of beetroot, sweet potato, parsnip and carrot, now the pair have branched out and introduced parsnip chilli and lime, which was added last year

It seems the only way is up for Scrubbys with Claire adding:

"We have taken it on board to fuel our drive and ambition a little more. An experience like this builds you. We have more energy, more passion, we didn't realise our own strength." [All quotes taken from the Grimsby Telegraph]

Find the full story on the Grimsby Telegraph website.

2015 A BIG YEAR FOR LINCOLN CASTLE

Image Credit: Karen Roe

Work is nearing it's final stages of a £22m project set to write the next chapter in the 1000 year old story of one of England's finest Norman castles; Lincoln Castle.

Lincoln Castle Revealed is set to transform the historic building into a world-class heritage visitor attraction. It will also provide a state of the art new home to a document that lays claim to being the foundation of individual freedoms across the globe; the Magna Carta. 

You can find the full story on the Greater Lincolnshire LEP website.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: SELECT MEMBERS MEETING


The next Select Member Meeting will be on:

Tuesday 30th September - 10.30am-12.30pm - Danwood Customer Experience Centre, Lincoln


Are you passionate about food and drink in Lincolnshire?
If the answer is yes, join fellow Select Lincolnshire for Food members and local businesses to network and hear updates from a topical speaker.

What topic would you like it to cover?
We want every member meeting to be as useful and informative as possible for you, so we'd welcome your feedback on what topics you'd like us to discuss. Are you interested in legislation or labeling laws? Logistics or training. Let us know, and we'll organise the rest.

Book your place now at the Member Meeting
To book your place at the Member Meeting please email Natasha Clegg or call 01522 523333.

Could you sponsor a member meeting?
We're always looking for event sponsors and key note speakers. So if it's of interest to you please contact
Natasha.Clegg.

Join us for food and farming updates
We are keen to engage with members and local businesses to hear your views on what’s important to your business and local area. To find out more about upcoming events email the Business Development Manager for Select Lincolnshire for Food Gillian Richardson.

Tuesday 29 July 2014

NEW OPPORTUNITIES: SINGAPORE

Image Credit: Nicolas Lannuzel

Plenty of new opportunities are coming your way. Specialist and artisan food producers are needed for Singapore importers and chefs.

High end high quality produce with a story is what is needed and the following are just some suggestions:

· Craft beers

· Wine

· Spirits

· Cheeses

· Cured meats

· Pates, terrines etc

· Jams and preserves

· Confectionery

Some businesses from the Midlands are already making their move, don’t miss out if you are interested.

Questions? We are here to help each step of the way and have our very own International Trade Expert here at Chamber – Helen Tomkinson. We also have local contacts at UK Trade and Industry to help you.

Look out for an Export workshop and trade mission on 10th September at The Bentley Hotel in Lincoln in conjunction with Northamptonshire and British Chambers of Commerce

If you are interested in exploring export to Singapore contact British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.

FREE WEBINAR: ROUTE TO MARKET FOR FOOD AND DRINK EXPORTERS

Image Credit: Flickr

Routes to market for food and drink exporters

Join us for a webinar on Thursday at 2:30pm

Register now!
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7396855983212852482

This webinar provides some top tips for food and drink exporters on how to find the right export partners in your target markets and outlines potential channels for your business to meet overseas buyers.

You will first hear from Elsa Fairbanks, Director at the Food and Drink Exporters Association who will run through the steps to take in identifying the right route to market. Elsa will then interview two guests willing to provide some insights including how to plan effectively and identifying and managing new partners;

Laurence Bass - Director and part owner of the Cheshire Cheese Company who has years of international experience working for a variety of food and drink businesses across a number of sectors

Gerry O’Reilly - CEO and founder of the online food and drink platform itradein.com. Gerry has worked in the food industry since the 1990’s as a manufacturer, retailer and broker.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

HISTORIC FOOD: 1940’S FESTIVAL IN WOODHALL SPA

Sadie and her father on the Saturday Morning
Sadie Hirst is an award winning artisan baker with a passion for our local baking heritage. She is a regular Select Blog contributor and this week has focused on a recipe from the 1940's after the 1940's weekend in Woodhall Spa. 

Last weekend the whole village of Woodhall Spa went back in time to the 1940’s. Now in its third year, it promised to be the best year yet.

What really made it so special was the participation of not just the people involved with the event but the visitors that enter into the spirit of it by dressing up. This has of course been helped enormously by the huge enthusiasm for all things vintage and yearning for nostalgia. The village has a long history with the military and Woodhall Spa provides a perfect setting and an authentic environment for the whole event.

It brings together the local business community too, we had great fun decorating our shop and I had been squirrelling 1940’s cookery books, posters and props away all year. I love the vintage scene and we have a thriving one in this area and of course this festival gives me the perfect opportunity to recreate some 1940’s recipes. It was hard to choose which one to put in for you as many were dishes of rationing necessity rather than being particularly appealing. I also didn’t think you would want to tackle anything with dried egg in, although it was a clever achievement in food technology it was particularly unpalatable.

Rationing in the Second World War was run by the Ministry of Food under the biochemist Sir Jack Drummond and the Minister, Lord Woolton. They applied the latest theories in nutrition to improve the nation’s diet. It was a feat of organisation and it was imperative that rationing was simplified and used for goods whose supply could be guaranteed. Another key element was the Dig for Victory campaign, which promoted an increase in agricultural production. Self sufficiency and home grown produce was hugely important. During 1943 and 1944 imports were less than half of that before the war and there was the ongoing threat of merchant ships being sunk by German submarines, in fact around 2,500 were lost during the war.

Sadie's Son and Father
An unappetizing loaf was produced called “The National Loaf” it was made with special flour. Due to a shortage of imported wheat a new method of production was developed which extracted more flour from the wheat grain. Although it was nutritious it was apparently grey in colour and not at all popular.

The Ministry of Food were also responsible for teaching and educating people on how to make the most of their rations and the healthiest way to feed their families. The Ministry of Food leaflets are now very collectable and the style is very indicative of the period.

The recipe I have chosen is –

Steamed Pudding and Jam

Equipment

Mixing Bowl, Sieve, Spoon, Pudding Basin (size is up to you), Measuring Jub, Tablespoon, greaseproof paper, foil, string, scissors, saucepan or roasting tin, something to grease you bowl with, scales.

Ingredients
  • 6oz Self Raising Flour
  • Pinch Salt
  • 1 1/2 oz Margarine (Stork in a tub)
  • 1 ½ oz Sugar
  • Just over ¼ pint of milk and water mixed together
  • 2 TBSP Jam
Method
  1. Mix and Sieve together the flour and Salt
  2. Rub in the Margarine
  3. Mix in the Sugar
  4. Mix to a dropping consistency with the milk and water
  5. Grease your pudding basin
  6. Put a greased disc of greaseproof paper in the bottom of your bowl (it will make it easier to turn out)
  7. Put the jam at the bottom of your bowl on top of your greaseproof paper
  8. Put the pudding mixture on top, leave a good inch at the top of the bowl so there is room for your pudding to rise. Depending on the size of your bowl you may have enough to do two smaller puds.
  9. Put a cover of greaseproof paper and then a layer of foil over the top, but put a pleat in so there is room for a bit of expansion as your pudding will rise up like a cake. Tie your paper and foil around the rim of the bowl.
  10. Pop it in a saucepan with water coming at least half way up, make sure that the water isn’t so high as it can leak into your pudding and ruin it. Put the lid on your saucepan.
  11. Keep it on a gentle simmer and make sure it doesn’t boil dry, you may need to top the water up every now and again. You need to steam it for about 1 ½ to 2 hours. If you prefer you could do this in the oven, just put your bowl in a baking tin and pour water around to make a Bain Marie and steam it in the oven on a low heat, again keep an eye on the water. This is how it would have been done in the 40’s and you would have added a bit of salt and cooked your veg in the water around your pudding.
  12. When it is done, turn out carefully onto a plate and serve with custard. 
Do you have a historic food recipe? Know any interesting historical foodie facts? Let us know and we'll publish it here! Email Loryn Good at loryn.good@lincs-chamber.co.uk

Saturday 26 July 2014

FREE LEGAL WORKSHOP: CONTRACTS AND DEBT RECOVERY

Image Credit: Flickr
Date: 18th September 2014
Time: 8.30am-10.30am
Venue: Roythornes Offices, Enterprise Way, Pinchbeck, Spalding, 
             PE11 3YR

Late payments and non-payments lead to serious financial issues that affect cash flow and can threaten the sustainability and growth of a business. This free legal workshop will help streamline your credit control and paperwork to recover debt.

Chasing the cash (Leigh White, Debt Recovery Manager)
A whistle-stop tour of debt recovery and the process involved in chasing the cash you are owed. How good practice can reduce your level of bad debts and the options open to you when customers aren't coming forward with the cash they owe.

It’s all in the detail (Mike Matthews, Solicitor, Company Commercial team)
A look at the key elements of contracts – why you should have them, what they should contain and how to make sure that you are as protected as you can be in business transactions.

Booking
Places are free but strictly limited. To make sure you do not miss this opportunity, please reserve your place by calling 01522 533333 or email Natasha.Clegg@Lincs-Chamber.co.uk

Friday 25 July 2014

SUSTAIN LINCOLNSHIRE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TRAINING



Course Details
Date: This 2 day course will take place on 17th and 18th September

Time: 10am-4pm

Venue: Sparkhouse, Enterprise @ Lincoln Building, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS

Who: This course is only open to Lincolnshire based small and medium sized businesses with up to 250 employees

Come along to help your business:

  • Save money and improve its bottom line
  • Get ahead of the competition and increase customer appeal by gaining an environmental certification
  • Keep up to date with incoming environmental legislation
  • Reduce waste and be more resource efficient
  • Create behaviour change and better operating systems in the workplace 

The course will cover:


  • Overview of ISO14001
  • Initial Environmental Review
  • Environmental Policy
  • Environmental Aspects and Impacts
  • Legal Requirements
  • Objective Targets and Programme
  • Implementation Plan
  • Training
  • Documentation
  • Procedures
  • Checking
  • Auditing
  • Management Review

There are limited spaces so book now to avoid disappointment! For further information or to confirm your place contact Andrew Jackson on 01522 837209 or email andrew.jackson@pect.org.uk

Thursday 24 July 2014

PERCY'S MAKES NATIONAL NEWS

It looks like Lincolnshire food businesses are starting to take over the nation now with Percy's receiving an excellent write up in the Daily Mail for its Alcoholic Iced Teas!

Claire from Percy's said: "The Daily Mail review has been great for online sales of Percy's. I've also received a lot of wedding and events enquiries as a result. It's exciting times!"

Let us know about your news and we can use it in this blog and in local, regional and national PR.

If you have any news stories send them to Charlotte Goy on charlotte.goy@lincs-chamber.co.uk.

NEW ALLERGEN LAW - ARE YOU READY?

Image Credit: John Keane

New Allergen Law – are you ready?

20th August 2014
Deans Building, Lincoln College
10am – 12pm

Free for Select Lincolnshire for Food
£10+VAT non-members

New food allergen legislation is coming into force in December 2014!

These regulations will affect all food related businesses, no matter what the size.
With the trend of more people suffering from food intolerance and allergic reactions to certain foods it’s paramount that food businesses are able to respond to the changing needs of their customers.
The aim of this workshop is to help you get ready for this new legislation, the areas we will cover are:

- The legislation and what it means to you as a business:

- How to make it work for you and your staff

- Staff training and communication

- Standardisation

About the Trainer
Rachel Linstead, owner of Firecracker, has been a business coach for eight years, specialising in food and nutrition, and has worked with hundreds of organisations and employees to improve business performance and the well-being of people in the food sector.

Utilising Rachel’s vast knowledge of the new legislation plus coaching in enterprise and effective communication for business, she will ensure that your organisation is prepared and ready for this change.


Book your place now
To book your place at the Member Meeting please email Natasha Clegg or call 01522 523333.

Wednesday 23 July 2014

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: SELECT MEMBER MEETINGS


The next Select Member Meeting will be on:

Tuesday 29th July - 2.00pm-4.00pm - Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre, Grimsby


Are you passionate about food and drink in Lincolnshire?
If the answer is yes, join fellow Select Lincolnshire for Food members and local businesses to network and hear updates from a topical speaker.

This month’s speaker slot welcomes Ed Lamb, G-STEP
G-STEP is a funded European Regional Development project which enables businesses to access, analyse, manipulate and interpret Earth Observation and Geographic Information Science data obtained from ground based, aerial and satellite sources to develop innovative solutions to enhance competitiveness.

Book your place now at the Member Meeting
To book your place at the Member Meeting please email Natasha Clegg or call 01522 523333.

Could you sponsor a member meeting?
We're always looking for event sponsors and key note speakers. So if it's of interest to you please contact
Natasha.Clegg.

Join us for food and farming updates
We are keen to engage with members and local businesses to hear your views on what’s important to your business and local area. To find out more about upcoming events email the Business Development Manager for Select Lincolnshire for Food Gillian Richardson.

SITE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

Sneath's Mill, Long Sutton
A great opportunity to be associated with an historic mill renovation.  The site of a Mill near Long Sutton has  potential for restored and updated buildings to be used for production and or office purposes.  

With the possibility of events, educational and training, workshops in a further building, you may be interested if you are a local food producer who needs to expand or have a new business who needs some rented production space.

There will be parking on site and at times activities associated with the mill and the educational /training space but due to the location it is unlikely to be used solely for retail.  The business does not have to be food related, it could be design and craft. 

There is potential for accommodation big enough for a commercial operation so micro-brewery, cheese, baked goods are all possibilities. The site is under an hour from Peterborough and about 30 minutes from Spalding and Boston so has supply chain potential. At this stage there is potential to guide the design of the blank canvas. 

If you have a need for business space in the locality of Long Sutton please contact Russell Wallis on 01522 563 512 or email russell.wallis@globelimited.co.uk


Tuesday 22 July 2014

SUN SHINES ON 130th LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW

Only a month has passed since the 130th Lincolnshire show where thousands flocked to see the best of what the county has to offer.

Willingham Fayre in the Food Court


Select Lincolnshire for Food were there of course, along with many Select members in the food court which was bustling with local businesses, showing off the region's best food and drink, according to the Grimsby Telegraph.

Pocklington's Bakery at the Food Court



Mountains Boston Sausage giving out free samples!

John Brumby, owner of Scrubbys Crisps said: "This is our second year at the show. We came last year and it was very good for PR and the company. It is nice to support a local show and this year the footfall has been very good. The show got very busy. This sort of event is so important to us because it is a showcase to display our brand to the public."


Gillian and Scrubby's at the Lincolnshire Show

Alex Albone, founder of Pipers Crisps said, "Coming to the Lincolnshire Show is really important to us because it is the home of our business. Lincolnshire is our home and it is great to speak to the people who buy and eat our crisps." [Quotes taken from the Grimsby Telegraph]


Image Credit: James Milnes Ruralpics

For a full article on the success of the event, read it on the Grimsby Telegraph website.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: GUNBY HALL & GARDENS


A homely country house dated 1700 set in the Victorian walled gardens at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds.

"I could live here!" is what most people say when visiting Gunby Hall and Gardens. Modest-sized rooms full of character and charm make it easy to imagine you can move in yourself.

With links to Tennyson, Darwin and Vaughan-Williams there is so much to discover about the family home of the Massingberd family.

Explore three floors of the hall full of interesting collection pieces amassed over generations from 1700 until 1963. Chat to our room guides to find out stories about Gunby's interesting past.

To commemorate the centenary of WW1 there is a "Poppy trail" through the house and exhibitions about the role of the Massingberds during the Great War.

Stroll through our eight-acre gardens and enjoy the different areas: sweeping formal lawns, flower borders, vegetable gardens and wildflower corners.

Try our new walk to the Ice House Pond set in the Gunby parkland or have a go at Nordic Walking in the grounds with one of our associated instructors.

Complete your visit with a stop in our charming tea-room and enjoy some home baked cake and a nice cuppa.

Grunby Hall Opening times:
Car Park and Parklands: Every day throughout the year, 11-5
Gardens, tea-room and basement: 7 days a week, mid February until end of October, 11-5
House: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Mid February until end of October, 11-5

Find out more on their website.

Monday 21 July 2014

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: GRANGE FARM

Grange Farm Cottages

Tranquil, luxurious holiday cottages, a restful Caravan Club CL site and peaceful coarse fishing lakes all set in the beautiful county of Lincolnshire.

Grange Farm want you to have a unique and wonderful experience leaving you relaxed, refreshed and revitalised after your stay. We have provided a stunning retreat that has all the comforts of home with a few added luxuries.

View of the Wolds

We are very walker and cyclist friendly and have a secure store for cycling/walking/fishing equipment.

Whether you choose to stay in one of our recently refurbished cottages, perfect for couples, or bring your caravan onto our site, treat yourself to a truly unforgettable experience.

Find out more on their website.

ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF DAY


The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce is holding its Annual Charity Golf Day on Tuesday 30th September at Market Rasen Golf Club.

Why should I attend?
This year's renowned Lincolnshire Chamber Charity Golf day will take place at the Market Rasen Golf Club. The price includes tea, coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, a team of four people and a two course meal for everyone! Even the chance of winning exclusive prizes.

Great Prizes on offer - win a car!
With 30 teams entering last year and raising nearly £1000 for charity, it is to be a great competition to enter. With support from Soper BMW you will have the chance to win a brand new BMW should you manage a hole in one on the 18th. Many local businesses have been kind enough to donate prizes, if you are interested in donating please feel free to get in touch. Prizes for the longest drive, nearest the pin and nearest the line will also be on offer, in return for publicity around the event.

Teams and Players
If you are playing on your own, or cannot make up a team of four, please let us know because we will take your names and try to make up teams where we can.

Sponsorship and Charity
Should you be interested in sponsoring our golf day, you receive great publicity prior to the event, on the day and post event. Your sponsorship will be put towards our charity donation. Businesses will also have the opportunity to sponsor a hole and have a promotional banner to enable more money to be raised.

Format
Four ball, Standard stableford rules apply. Best two scores count on Par 4's and 5's and all four scores on Par 3.

The price is £140+vat for a Team of 4 (Members), £180+vat for a Team of 4 (Non Members) and £40+vat (Tee Box Banner)

To book, email natasha.clegg@lincs-chamber.co.uk

MORE GREAT PR FOR SELECT MEMBERS


It's been a busy few weeks for Select Lincolnshire for Food members, who have once again been mentioned in an article about Lincoln!

The feature, Great Escapes, gives an in-depth tour of the culinary triumphs on offer in Lincoln. Published in the Great British Food & Speciality Food Magazine, this excellent coverage showcases the very best Lincolnshire has to offer.

Members who were featured include:

Henry's Tea Room
Stokes High Bridge Cafe
The Cheese Society
The Green Room in the Lincoln Hotel
The Old Stables
Petwood Hotel
The Manor House Stables
Brackenborough Hall Coach House
Doddington Hall
Mountain Boston Sausage
Lymn Bank Cheese

If you want help with your PR, get in touch with Charlotte Goy at charlotte.goy@lincs-chamber.co.uk.

ANNUAL SUMMER BBQ



The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce is holding it's Annual Summer BBQ on Thursday 21st August, 12.00pm-2.00pm, sponsored by Nicholsons chartered accountants for the 8th year running.

BBQ Lunch
No need to feel hungry, you'll be offered a full BBQ Lunch with a vegetarian option available.

Exclusive Tour and Entry
Exclusive house and tour and entry to the sculpture exhibition, so come and join us for a tour around the delightful Doddington Hall. All tours will be conducted by well trained tour guides who will give a full account of the history hidden in this beautiful house.

Experience the largest sculpture exhibition in the Midlands with over 400 stunning pieces from over 80 national and international sculptors, displayed throughout the gardens.

Lots of Networking Opportunities
There is also the chance to meet new faces and network with like-minded business people. Not only do our delegates enjoy our events, but they gain valuable business contacts and pick up opportunities.

Doddington Halls Hidden Secrets
Begun in 1595 by Robert Smythson, one of England's foremost Elizabethan architects, Doddington Hall was completed in 1600 and has never been sold or cleared out since. An example of a fine late Elizabethan Mansion, it is still a live-in and much loved family home, alive with history and interest.

Over 400 years of unbroken family occupation has resulted in fascinating collections of furniture, weaponry, paintings, ceramics, textiles, household objects, porcelain and a wealth of amusing stories all to be found in and around Doddington Hall.

A visit to Doddington offers a unique insight into family life through the ages and the challenges of lookin after such an estate in the 21st century.

The price for this event is £17+VAT for members and £27+VAT for non members.

To book, email natasha.clegg@lincs-chamber.co.uk

Friday 18 July 2014

SUSTAIN LINCOLNSHIRE: IMPROVING YOUR RESOURCE EFFICENCY



The SUSTAIN Lincolnshire project is being delivered by Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) and managed by Lincolnshire County Council. Through the project, SUSTAIN Lincolnshire are able to offer free support to help Lincolnshire-based small or medium businesses to achieve resource efficiency improvements, with the aim of delivering both cost savings for businesses and environmental benefits.

What is resource efficiency?
Every business uses resources - water, electricity, gas, fuel, raw materials. SUSTAIN Lincolnshire will help you reduce the costs of your resources through effective management. Not only is this good news for the environment, but it'll save you money too.

How can they help?
  • Resource efficiency audit - helps you identify where you can improve your environmental performance and save money
  • Resource efficiency action plan - expert help to compile an action plan to suit your business
  • Renewable Technologies - feasibility studies for technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and biomass boilers to help you decide whether they will work for you.
  • Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Training - free two day course for your staff.
  • On Site Support - ongoing support to help you implement changes to improve efficiency and implement an environmental management system.
  • Resource efficiency campaigns - everything you need to get your staff to go green and help save money.
  • And much more - a range of resources including case studies, funding advice and briefings on key environmental topics to help you get ahead.

Are you eligible?
Support is available completely free to eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lincolnshire. SMEs need to demonstrate they have:
  • Less than 250 staff
  • Annual turnover of less than 50 million Euros
  • Annual balance sheet of less than 43 million Euros
  • Are not more than a quarter owned by a larger company.

Interested? Contact 01733 882549 or email business@pect.org.uk for more information.


Thursday 17 July 2014

GREAT PR FOR SELECT MEMBERS


An article published recently about Select Lincolnshire for Food mentioned several members, boosting their profiles considerably. 

The article published in Oyster, a new consumer magazine for Lincolnshire, mentioned the following members:

Mountain Boston Sausage
Redhill Farm Free Range Pork
Strawberry Fields
Uncle Henry's
Pooley's Tea Room
Sebastapol Inn
The Green Room at the Lincoln Hotel
Caxton House
The Dairy Barn
Petwood Hotel
Lincoln Minster School
Hemswell Court
Doddington Hall
Henry's Tea Room
Stokes High Bridge Cafe

A good word from a journalist is great publicity and PR is a core package that is a benefit of your membership!

If you want help with your PR, get in touch with Charlotte Goy at charlotte.goy@lincs-chamber.co.uk.

PLANNING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

Pic Credit - Planning for climate change

Thursday 4 December 2014
London
Venue - TBC

This is the first conference in a series across the UK and Ireland entitled ‘Planning for Climate Change’.

The key focus of the day is to debate and discuss the key issues that face communities across the Country when it comes to adapting to climate change and addressing the problems and opportunities that Climate Change brings.

On the day itself, there are plans for up to 14 speakers plus up to 20 display spaces and up to 250 delegates.

Prices 
The cost to attend as a delegate and/or speaker is £240 plus VAT. The reduced rate for Students and Researchers is £120 plus VAT. Display Spaces for the event are also competitively priced at £750 plus VAT. Details of the event will appear on the Conference website soon and the following Social

Join the conversation
Like the page on Facebook and follow the conversation on Twitter.

For more information on the good practice that Planning for Climate Change Conference Team is doing in other policy fields please check out the following link which shows the Conferences that is being organise on Rural Development.

The register as a delegate, speaker, submit a paper or take a display space place email here.

Wednesday 16 July 2014

EVENINGS AT THE PINK PIG FARM


Every month the Pink Pig opens its doors for a special evening in foodie heaven. Here what's coming soon.

The Harvest Supper - Thursday 11th September

Share, enjoy and celebrate all the goods of our harvest, in a delicious seasonal supper. No need to choose - a delicious selection of dishes to share including:

Home baked bread with homemade flavoured butters
Home made Lincolnshire Poacher cheese twists

Slow roast free range, Pink Pig Farm lamb shoulder with garlic and rosemary
Root vegetable cubes tossed in locally grown fresh herbs and rapeseed oil
Baby marrows stuffed with Pink Pig Farm prizewinning Lincolnshire sausage meat.
Portabello mushrooms topped with breadcrumbs and Lyme Bank herb & garlic cheese
Slow cooked free range, Pink Pig Farm pork & apple ragu (the apples come from our orchard!)

Mini home grown baked apples stuffed with blackberries
Puff pastry pear tarts
Both served with bowls of Willingham Fayre vanilla ice cream.

All just £17.99 a head, booking essential on 01724 844466

Do you have any events coming up? What are holding during the Autumn? Send us information about any events you might have for Harvest, Lincolnshire Day, Sausage Festival, Halloween, Bonfire Night or Christmas and we can provide extra support by promoting the events here on our blog! Contact Charlotte Goy by emailing charlotte.goy@lincs-chamber.co.uk

GREAT PR FOR REFORM RESTAURANT


Journalist, Susan Hampshire recently visited Lincoln on a press visit and stopped off at Reform Restaurant.

Here's what she had to say:

Lincolnshire, of course, is also known for its food - think of Lincolnshire sausages, asparagus, lamb and plum bread. The city is always keen to promote home-grown produce and where better than Reform Restaurant in Westgate, housed within The Castle Hotel.

Chef Mark Cheseldine and his staff use local produce wherever possible and we were lucky enough to sample some delicious Lincolnshire asparagus and lamb during our visit for dinner.

Reform, so called because the building originally housed reform school, is a great addition to Lincolnshire's food trail and is well worth a visit if you're staying in the city. The restaurant is a member of Select Lincolnshire for Food, a project that supports and promotes the country's food and farming.

Reform Restaurant received some excellent PR from this as Susan writes for the Trinity Mirrors series, resulting in her piece being published in the following publications:

  • Huddersfield Examiner
  • Liverpool Echo
  • South Wales Echo
  • Newcastle Chronicle
  • North Wales Daily Post
  • Coventry Telegraph
  • Birmingham Mail

The Reform Restaurant will now benefit from great national publicity with a credible recommendation.

Do you want to receive the benefits of working with us on PR operations? Then check out our blog post about press trips!

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET STALL DEADLINE


The Christmas Market deadline for stalls is on Monday 28th July!

All basic stalls are 3m x 3m floor space with a single trading frontage, unless stated otherwise, and one 13 amp electricity socket. You can choose from the following locations:

Lincolnshire Larder: Open fronted avenue marquee. Flooring provided. Lincolnshire and Artisan foods producers only. Cost: £1117

St Pauls Food Court: 2 Marquees side by side, specialist food court with central seating area within each covered marquee. Cost: £1411

 Things that are not covered in the stall price are:

  • Your trading unit: You must supply your own stall or trading unit
  • Additional floor space above the basic: Additional floor space is available in all zones at a cost of £188 per sq m.
  • Storage space: Additional storage space or vehicle may be positioned alongside or close to your stall at a cost of £67 per sq m. This space must not be used for retailing.
  • Additional electrical sockets: per additional 13 amp and 16 amp, it will be £67. Per additional 32 amp, it will be £100.
  • Corner plot position: you can request a corner plot position with a second trading frontage at a premium of +25% of your total stall space rental.
There is a 20% discount for local traders based within the Lincoln City Boundary and a 15% discount for local traders based within Lincolnshire.


Food and Drink Surcharges
To enhance the Christmas Market and promote regional foods and to levy traders who produce significant levels of waste (e.g. cooking fats) we have redefined our bands for food surcharges. We hope that this will encourage a wider range of original food stalls, encourage healthy eating, and enhance the overall appearance of Lincoln Christmas Market. The surcharges cover our rising costs, with street cleaning and litter collection at the Christmas Market totalling over £30,000 each year. The surcharge also levies those traders with higher margins.

Band 1: 50% of stall price
Organic
Home butchered/baked/made
produce
Confectionary
Delicatessens
Tastes of Lincolnshire
Fair Trade
Hot Roast Chestnuts
(No other food may be sold)
Specialist regional/International
Over 75% of your produce must fit into this band for this to apply.

Band 2: 100% of stall price
‘Traditional’ fried burgers and hotdogs, candy floss, doughnuts, baked potatoes, crepes, pizza, Chocolate fountains, caramelised nuts, coffee, hot chocolate (with Baileys)
Please note that these foods will be assessed on an individual basis.

Alcohol Levy: £300.00
If you are selling alcohol including Baileys in coffee, you will be required to pay an alcohol levy as
part of the surcharges.


To apply for a stall, please visit: http://lincoln-christmasmarket.co.uk/information-for-stallholders/


Monday 14 July 2014

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LJ FAIRBURN POULTRY & SON


LJ Fairburn Poultry & Son is a British family business since 1951, producing and packaging only the best Lincolnshire Free range eggs of the highest quality. The eggs are 100% produced and packed on the family run farm.

The business has evolved over the past 60 years and we now produce over 8 million eggs a week ranging from organic, free range, barn and colony eggs. They strive to ensure that they are continually improve and expand their offering.

In addition, they also have a well established rearing business rearing in excess of 1,750,000 birds for our own use and for re-sale.

We produce and mill over 78,000 tonnes of feed every year which includes grain farmed from their 1,600 acres of arable land and other local sources.

Due to the close proximity of all their facilities and the total integrations of their processes, they continue to produce the freshest eggs in the UK.

Find out more on their website.


MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ALFRED ENDERBY LTD


Alfred Enderby is a traditional brick built 100 year old smoke house in the heart of Grimsby's historic fish docks. Fresh fish is bought daily off the auction market and after processing is smoked slowly overnight to be packed and dispatched all over England. They supply wholesale, retail and have an online sales site that anyone can use. Or simply buy some smoked haddock or salmon straight out of the smoke house.

Alfred Enderby have been awarded PGI European protected status ensuring the highest standards and provenance of our products. The building is one of just a few traditional smoke houses left in Britain and as such is a listed building. It was built specifically for the cold smoking of cod and haddock. Over the last 30 years, they have added smoked salmon thanks to the availability of affordable farm salmon. They remain, however an artisan, high-end, specialist producer with most processing still being done by skilled knife hands. Also the smoking process itself is adjusted and monitored by highly experienced smokers.

With over 50 years experience over two generations, they have built up an enviable reputation for quality and reliability, with their products in demand among Britain's top chefs. They work closely with several, such as Richard Corrigan and Angela Hartnett, as part of the International Slowfood Movement and have been included in their exclusive Ark of Taste.

Anyone can enjoy their products though by going on www.alfredenderby.co.uk and ordering online. These include smoked salmon, haddock, finnans and trout at very competitive prices.

Friday 11 July 2014

ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP?

Newsletters
Regular newsletters are sent out to members keeping you up to date with all the news we can gather to help support you and your business.

We link back to our blog which means you can see any information to refer back to. If you are not receiving these newsletters please let me know. http://lovefoodlincs.blogspot.co.uk/

Tell us
Recently Cote Hill Cheese have won an award for best new cheese at the British Cheese Awards and R J Hirst Butchers have won a British Pie Award.

We can help promote your successes, this reflected success is not only good for your business but helps consumers recognise the brand for locally sourced food from Lincolnshire and other members. To help us do this better we need you to tell us when you have something to shout about.

We also use some of the news, events and recipe items to add to our growing consumer newsletter. If you have anything you want highlighted, do make sure you tell us.

Marketing, PR and Social Media

Materials
You should have access to all the logos associated with membership for you to use on your web site and other published materials/packaging, according to which suits your business. The logos are various in colour and orientation.

In addition there are door and window stickers, cardboard strut cards and labels to add to your packaging or labels to tell your customers you are part of the Select Lincolnshire Love Food campaign. We are currently exploring other branded goods which will help distinguish you from your competitors.

If you do not have access to these new logos (below) or would like additional/ replacement stickers please let me know and I will send them to you. I have enclosed an order form for you.



 


Social Media
Are you taking advantage of all the free social media available to you? If you are, let us help you boost your business. Please include us in your tweets and posts and we can support you more

twitter.com/LoveFoodLincs

www.facebook.com/LoveFoodSelectLincolnshire

Training, Members Meetings and Events
You will have access to more training opportunities, for example we will be holding a workshop about allergen legislation. Member networking meetings are underway on a bi monthly basis and we are trying to cover all the county so everyone gets a chance to either host and attend meetings.

More and more businesses are showing an interest in holding events with a Select Lincolnshire for Food presence. All this additional promotion helps all members. Tell us if you are aware of any opportunities to trade or support events.

All opportunities will be communicated via our newsletter and will be placed on the blog and websites

http://lovefoodlincs.blogspot.co.uk/

www.selectlincolnshire.com/members/events.aspx

Additional opportunities will be highlighted under events and training on the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce website. www.lincs-chamber.co.uk/


Websites
Please take a few minutes to ensure your website listing on Select Lincolnshire for Food and for Members is as you would like it and that you appear in the categories you would like to .

You can have two images and up to 250 words, along with all contact information and link to your website.

For Food is where customers will see you:  www.selectlincolnshire.com/food

For Members is where you can find lots of supporting information and connect with other members via our Directory: www.selectlincolnshire.com/members

As a new Lincolnshire Chamber benefit you will also have a free opportunity to showcase your business on the new Chamber website when that launches in the next month which means you will get additional exposure to business at all levels.

Good Taste Magazine 

If you have a Good Taste directory listing you should have received a communication from Amanda Davey at Lincolnshire County Council asking you to check the wording and listings you require.

Amanda will also manage the allocation of Good Taste magazines delivered to you after publication. Contact Amanda at amanda.davey@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Mystery Shopping and Awards
I have received much feedback about the mystery shopping report process and how this leads into your opportunity to explore becoming an award winner. I am currently holding a review of this process in conjunction with Lincolnshire County Council. Your further comments will be sought in a further communication.

I look forward to working with you all in the coming year, Gillian Richardson, Business Development Manager.

Phone - 01522 8469631 or 07702 939648
Email - Gillian.Richardson@lincs-chamber.co.uk




MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Gillian Richardson, Business Development Manager, Select Lincolnshire for Food.

Select Lincolnshire for Food members have been cared for by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry for almost a whole year now.

Since joining this food family last September I have enjoyed getting to know many member and reacquainting myself with those businesses I already knew. The year has flown by and as we are always looking forward to the next seasons it seems to go even quicker.

It has been a year of considerable successes, opportunities and change. I have been listening to your feedback and building that information into planning our way forward.

For all the members who are renewing with the Select Lincolnshire, I thank you for your continuing support, the growing family of food businesses in Lincolnshire is enabling our network to make its mark across the county and the country. The marketing successes we have collectively are complemented by the additional support received when each of you shout out about local Lincolnshire produce and all of the successes you have.

The past few months have seen Select members featured in regional and national media and over the coming year, supported by Lincolnshire Chamber I will be sourcing new opportunities for all of Select Lincolnshire members to take advantage of.

Benefits

I am delighted to tell you that members of Select Lincolnshire for Food will now be able to access additional benefits and will be included in all Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry opportunities

In addition to all the original Select Lincolnshire for Food benefits detailed below you will now have access to new benefits added for this coming year.

New Benefits
  • Enhanced listing on Select Lincolnshire member and consumer websites
  • Access to expert international trade and export advice
  • Chamber networking events discounted attendance
  • Chamber Matters magazine opportunity to feature
  • Opportunity to market your business to Chamber members via e-shots
  • Chamber Event Sponsor opportunities
  • Apprenticeship training development support
  • Access to Utility savings
  • Access to Merchant services
  • Access to Westfield Health Plan

Existing Benefits
  • Website listings
  • Business Support
  • Newsletters
  • Good Taste Magazine
  • Training Opportunities
  • Marketing and PR
  • Social Media
  • Mystery Shopping Member Networking Opportunities
  • Awards
  • Events
  • Legal Helpline

Membership Structure

We have been listening to what you say and have decided to introduce a new membership structure.

It is clear that many members would like access to wider marketing opportunities and more supported events. This year our standard membership will now be £125.00 per annum. (There is no joining fee). Covering additional marketing, supporting membership and new additional benefits this is great value at half the cost of other food industry membership schemes.

In addition we are introducing a tiered structure which means that smaller businesses can be supported and promoted as part of the larger Lincolnshire business economy while growing. This tiered system will be applied to new members this year and to existing members as from April 2015.
  • Standard Membership 0 – 49 employees £125 per annum plus VAT
  • Standard Membership 50 + employees £175 per annum plus VAT
  • Patron bespoke package £1650 per annum plus VAT 
If you need more information please email Gillian.Richardson@Lincs-Chamber.co.uk