Food Enterprise Centre seeking new businesses
Food manufacturing continues to play a pivotal role in the development of the county's economy, with industry giants such as Faccenda, Muller and ABP invest here.
But in Shrewsbury, there is a hub of innovation that continues to attract food start-ups into the area.
One of only 10 buildings of its type in the country, the Shropshire Food Enterprise entre at Battlefield acts as a platform for new food brands to launch onto the market.
The subject of some controversy after its contract with food producers collective Heart of England Fine Foods was cancelled, bosses at Shropshire Council say it continues to attract new food manufacturers.
"Business generally move in on three-year leases," said the council's business and enterprise manager Mark Pembleton.
"The idea is if you're a fast-growing business, after three years you should be looking at taking that next step. It has never been beyond 90 per cent full, as just before you get to 100 per cent occupancy, another company moves on and goes elsewhere."
Oriental Food Express, which makes frozen dim sum which is sold in Chinese supermarkets such as Wing Yip, was drawn into Shropshire by the centre. Bruce Wong and his business partner, Daniel Wang, live in London, but moved their manufacturing to Shropshire for the pre-fitted building.
The Little Round Cake Company has expanded within the centre, taking a second unit to produce a range of meringues – and it is now branching out again into a range of custards.
The company already counts the likes of Selfridges and Ocado among its customers, and further expansion could see it join others who have moved into new factories outside the centre – such as Coopers Gourmet Sausage Rolls, another current tenant which is to move on.
In the past, the likes of cheesemakers Mr Moyden's, now based in Market Drayton have used the centre as a springboard.
Now the council is on the hunt for further start-ups to move into the building and further develop Shropshire's reputation for food manufacturing.
"This is partly about bringing people in from outside," Mr Pembleton added. "It's an inward investment attraction as it's one of only 10 in the country.
"We have had Irish companies thinking it could be a good gateway to the UK. The centre has been home to some very different people, and there's a real opportunity in there now."
