Food and drink entrepreneurs offered Recipe4Success with return of support scheme

Ambitious Stockport food and drink producers that are keen to grow their brand can access expert support from the return of the Recipe4Success programme from GC Business Growth Hub.

The scheme first launched in 2015 to help small food and drink producers across Greater Manchester raise the profile of their businesses, and has seen brands get their products stocked in stores, from independent retailers to national chains such as Selfridges.

Recipe4Success is open to start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses who are in their first three years of trading and based in Greater Manchester; the next programme starts on March 22nd.

Rijul Shikla, founder of 100% plant based Indian curry company Spice Story (pictured) based in Manchester, took part in the programme in 2021, and said of his experience:

“One of the best decisions I made last year was joining Recipe4Success. It massively helped me in moving towards the retail side of the business and getting stocked in shops.

“The workshops were super helpful and the network you create through the programme is invaluable. If you are a food and drink business it is not to be missed.”

The three-month scheme consists of a tailored series of nine workshops and networking events designed to help businesses overcome barriers and succeed. It is fully funded: businesses accepted onto the scheme do not pay any costs.

At the end of the programme, participants get the chance to pitch their product to a panel of buyers. Previous panels have included the likes of Morrisons and Tesco. Participants will also learn about packaging, labelling, sustainability, and receive advice on sales and marketing with a session including food photography for social media.

Head of Start-up and Growth at GC Business Growth Hub, Hilary Centeleghe, said:

“Recipe4Success offers our region’s most innovative and ambitious food and drink businesses the help and support they need to take the next step.

“Our teams have helped producers to win prestigious national awards and get stocked online, locally, in national stores and even restaurants.

“This programme provides expert support and guidance for a food and drink business that wants to scale up and reach new customers.”

Places on the programme are limited and businesses can register their interest on the Growth Hub website. The next Recipe4Success programme will be officially launched on March 2nd at Kampus, in Manchester and will offer interested businesses the opportunity to meet some of the specialists leading the workshops.