A national enterprise campaign is set to help budding food industry entrepreneurs capitalise on their talent with a free event designed to inspire as well as assist in building a food business from scratch.

The event  will take aspiring foodies through the key stages of setting up a business from the planning, branding, marketing and sales aspects, through to advice on where to find funding and support. 

There will also be a chance to hear from food buyers about what they look for and how new start-ups can make the most of opportunities.

The day-long event is set to take place at the the Kingston Market House. It will feature panel discussions, Q&As, hints and tips from top food brands and business experts.

The event will be followed by a drinks reception from 5.30 - 7.30pm, providing an excellent opportunity to meet the speakers and network with fellow food entrepreneurs.

There will even be the chance for you to walk away with a copy of Cook, Wrap, Sell by Bruce McMichael.

*Registration will take place between 9.30-10.00am, please try to arrive by 9.45 to collect your name badge and sign-in for the event.

Agenda

9.30am: Registration and refreshments

10.00am: Opening comments 

10.05am: Planning for success

Practical advice on  what goes in to a business plan and how to start one, how and where to conduct research to identify market size,  target market, competitors.

11.00am: Getting ahead of and Standing out from the crowd

Developing your own USP, the art of good presentation/branding/packaging  

11.30am: Promoting & Pitching your products

Use social media and effective press to get known and noticed! Getting your product on the market.

12.30pm: Lunch break

1.30pm: Basic ingredients for business success

2.00pm: Running a food business: Being a home-based business, saving money in the kitchen, creating a perfect work environment, health and safety, scaling up production and quality standards and certification

3.00pm: From farm shops to supermarkets: Using different channels to sell your products, local retailers, regional and national retailers, box schemes and online stores, selling at events i.e. markets and food festivals

4.00pm:  Getting stocked: How to get stocked in supermarkets, will hear from successful entrepreneurs as to what they look for and what is required.

5.00pm: Closing comments

5.30-7.30pm: Evening drinks reception