New business network launches to connect food and drink manufacturers across Greater Manchester

Food and drink manufacturers in Stockport are being invited to join a new network connecting businesses in the sector from across Greater Manchester.

The new Greater Manchester Food and Drink Network will hold twice-yearly events to connections, share expertise and support the continued growth of one of the region’s most important sectors.

The network will meet for the first time on 13th October in Wigan, where GM Business Growth Hub will be inviting manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of food and drink manufacturing, while supporting opportunities for collaboration, innovation and international growth.

Keynote speaker, Mark Holmes from Smurfit Westrock, will explore the strategic role packaging plays in modern manufacturing, by enhancing the customer experience, strengthening brand value and improving profitability and operational efficiency in increasingly competitive markets.

Mark Holmes, Managing Director / General Manager, Smurfit Westrock, said:

“Packaging is not simply about wrapping a product. It is a core element of branding and shapes customer perception. Good packaging communicates your brand value and pushes sales. The manufacturers we work with often want a strategic approach for their packaging that can perform multiple functions, from protecting and storing goods in a cost-effective way but also influence purchasing decisions and promote their brand. I’m looking forward to sharing practical examples of how businesses can unlock greater value through smarter packaging decisions.”

Attendees will also hear from Tom Fletcher, Managing Director of Stockport-based Firstplay Dietary Foods, a fast-growing family-owned manufacturer that has successfully built a competitive advantage by specialising in a niche market. They will find out how a focused growth strategy has shaped Firstplay Dietary Foods’s journey of sustained success and what this means for businesses ready to think beyond the UK.

International growth is also a core theme of the event. Dan Helm, Operations Manager for Australian International Foods Importer: British Provender and the UK Government’s Food and Drink Trade Champion in Australia, will share practical insights into market opportunities, routes to entry, and the key food, labelling, and import regulations UK manufacturers need to know. Delegates will be able to book a 1:1 session with Dan on the day, alongside specialists from GM Business Growth Hub, GM Chamber of Commerce, and the British Consulate General Brisbane.

In addition to the keynote presentations and networking opportunities, selected businesses will also have the opportunity to pitch their products, services and innovations to fellow delegates at the event. An interactive workshop will provide practical ideas and proven approaches that attendees can take back and implement within their businesses immediately.

Janine Smith, Director,GM Business Growth Hub, said:

“We’ve launched this network with the clear ambition that it becomes a catalyst for collaboration, innovation and increased exports for one the Greater Manchester’s most important sectors. This region is home to exceptional food and drink producers, and the Greater Manchester Food and Drink Network has been created to help bring that community together. By connecting these companies with industry leaders, business support and international trade specialists, we’re creating a forum where everyone can discuss innovative ideas, build valuable relationships and discover the upcoming opportunities for growth.”

Businesses interested in attending can find further information and secure their place via the GM Business Growth Hub website.