I think I have told you before I am a self-confessed foodie! For many years the hospitality industry was my career and I fell in love with exploring new concepts in food and drinks. Most of my holidays have been culinary adventures, combined of course with sunshine! and I have learnt a lot about food and love to experience new concepts. No one was more surprised than me when my son entered the industry and fell in love the same way. He now has three thriving food and drink businesses, and we are very proud of his and his business partners achievements.
However, over the last few years, food opportunities have come to emerge locally in Barking and Dagenham. The London markets are moving to the borough and there are plans for both wholesale and retail and opportunities for residents and businesses. The college in Barking town centre is being developed as a food school which will bring opportunities to train in the food industry to a world class standard. All good news for our lovely borough.
However, on the flip side we know that some food businesses have been experiencing challenging times with rising utility costs, and the loss of customers who are equally struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
We know the Council has been working on food for some time now, especially looking at the sort of food that is available and how we improve the offer of healthy and sustainable food, and of course make sure that it celebrates the diversity of our population.
They are developing the good food charter which is exciting and will bring opportunities for food businesses in the borough.
Well, the good news is we have listened and heard, taken note and are now able to help over the next 14 months. The BEC will be able to work with 36 food businesses to provide intensive support and one to one mentoring with food businesses of any type in Barking and Dagenham.
You can sign up here to get more information and we will be in touch.
On a final note, I thought I would show you a picture of my latest culinary experience on Christmas Eve I went to @FallowLondon who took Twitter by storm with their chicken pie…its not for everyone I completely get that, but it completely embraces the zero waste and using every bit of the product. I am glad I got to see it!
@fallowlondon
