Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics

Supporting Innovation, Training, and Growth for Boston Town Businesses

The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics offers fully funded support for businesses in the food and associated supply chain sectors including: agri-food technologies, port and logistics, equipment and technical services, engineering and packaging, manufacturing, and food service — including retailers and restaurants.

Delivery partners provide an outstanding resource base and work in collaboration with Boston businesses to identify growth needs and provide suitable solutions. Our aim is to enable businesses to prosper and grow through adoption of innovation, digital technologies, scientific research, training and development of workforce, products and process development, plus business advice.

You can read more about the recent successes of the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics in this article.

What are the Benefits?

Benefits are tailored to suit the needs of the business and employees with a focus on:

Business Support to Enhance Productivity, Profitability and Job Creation

Access to technical services and consultancy provided by a dedicated team of experts at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), Boston College, Lincoln Institute of Agri-food Technology, and the University of Lincoln's College of Health and Science. Project examples include: Digitalisation; Automation; Product Trials and New Product Development; Processes; Packaging; Robotics; Finance; Marketing; Crop Storage; Scientific Research; and General Business Consultancy.

Knowledge Transfer and Networking

Programme members benefit from business networking and knowledge sharing activities such as events, equipment demonstrations, masterclasses, and signposting to other sources of relevant support.

Workforce Development Through Enhancement of Skills and Knowledge

Boston College provides the lead for the development and delivery of training programmes to match the growth needs of programme businesses. Topics aim to upskill the workforce and enhance the effectiveness of business leadership and management. Sector activities will also campaign for career awareness, create a talent pipeline, and encourage new entrants. Some courses will be delivered via distance learning and course costs will be covered by the programme, therefore avoiding the main barriers to workforce development.

Capital Grants

Potential for Capital Grant funding contribution towards the purchase of equipment identified as required to meet project needs established during programme engagement. Up to 50% of purchase cost from a minimum of £2,000 to a maximum of £10,000 could be available, subject to application and panel approval.

Contact Us

To find out more, check eligibility, and to request a Business Enrolment Form, contact David Thorpe, Programme Manager at dthorpe@lincoln.ac.uk.

Delivered by the University of Lincoln, National Centre for Food Manufacturing, Boston College, Centre for Food & Fresh Produce Logistics.

Boston Town Deal

The vision of the Boston Town Deal Board is to define and deliver the investment in professional and technological support needed for strategic interventions that will shape the development of an aspirational, skilled, and healthy population. To achieve sustainable economic growth and pride of place through bold urban design, digital solutions, and connected communities. This will launch Boston into the future, build on its unique heritage, and make Boston an exciting place to live, work, invest, and visit for generations to come.

Boston College

The College has an enviable reputation for delivering high quality accredited and industry standard training and development opportunities to businesses through day release, evening courses, and distance learning. Within the benefits of membership of The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics the College works with the business to identify training needs, design and deliver the right solutions, and evaluate results.

National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM)

NCFM has a track record of providing bespoke research, innovation, training, and scientific solutions for food and fresh produce businesses. Experience of successful delivery of business growth projects combines with an impressive resource base and highly qualified sector experts to provide essential support for sector businesses. NCFM is internationally recognised and is now dedicated to ensuring that Boston Town businesses play a pivotal role in the ambitions of the UK Food Valley and benefit from the support.