FOOD + DRINK
KENT FOUNDATION AND PRODUCED IN KENT FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT FOOD & DRINK START-UPS
NATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR BRITAIN ’ S OLDEST BREWER
Faversham-based Shepherd Neame has picked up three medals , in two different categories , at the 2021 British Bottlers ’ Institute Competition , recognising the best in the bottling and packaging industry .
In the Ales ( 4.5 – 4.9 %) category a Gold medal was awarded to Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale , the deep golden ale which combines hops imported from the US with native British hops to give a distinctive yet refreshing flavour that was launched in 2017 .
In the Lagers ( 4.0 – 5.5 %) category , second in the contemporary Bear Island range , Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager , scooped the Gold award with its hop-forward lager that offers punchy tropical notes . Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager received a Diploma of Excellence in the same category .
Mike Unsworth , Shepherd Neame head brewer , said : “ We are delighted to have been recognised with three awards , including two Gold medals , at these prestigious awards . Our team is passionate about beer , and committed to quality and innovation . To have three of our contemporary beers recognised in this way is a great accolade , showing once again that our beers are among the best in Britain .”
Shepherd Neame ’ s award-winning beers are available from its online shop and brewery shop in Faversham .
Aimed to benefit young entrepreneurs in the local food and drink sector in Kent , Kent Foundation and Produced in Kent ’ s new strategic partnership ’ s activities will launch with a four-session training series , focused on financial planning for start-ups and small businesses , at the end of September .
“ Often seen as ‘ the boring bit ’ of running a business , understanding your business ’ finances will greatly improve its chances of survival , more so than having a slick marketing strategy in place ” comments Floortje Hoette , CEO of Produced in Kent .
“ In the UK , 89 % of UK start-ups survive their first year but fewer than 50 % make it beyond five years . I believe that could be down to the numbers not adding up . Produced in Kent and Kent Foundation are now offering a training course that will help young businesses take a closer look at the financial side of their business and plan for the future .” Continues Hoette .
Stuart Taunton , MD of Kent Foundation adds , “ The pandemic has seen quite a few new food and drink businesses open . People decided , and sometimes were forced , to change careers and noticed the momentum that was building around local food and drink , which gave them ideas to create their independent food and drink start-ups . Kent Foundation and Produced in Kent want to make sure that these entrepreneurs have a solid financial plan in place that will help them navigate what is still a fairly unstable economic climate .”
The training sessions will be provided by Smart Support , a business management consultancy that has been actively supporting and mentoring businesses throughout the Covid pandemic , and receives financial backing from the South East Business Boost ( SEBB ).
Kent Foundation and Produced in Kent have also agreed to offer a 50 % reduction on membership fees to Produced in Kent for all Kent Foundation trainees operating in food and drink that have been trading for less than 2 years .
For more information on the financial planning training sessions for start-ups and small food and drink businesses , contact Produced in Kent by email : info @ producedinkent . co . uk or call 01732 853170 .
96