CHAMBER NEWS


Opening a ‘Pandora’s box of growth’ with D2N2 UpScaler


New waste disposal techniques are being explored by a Nottingham- based eco-focused foodservice equipment distributor as it seeks a platform to reach the next level – with the support of a Chamber-run growth programme. FSG Tableware, which supplies public sector and commercial catering


operations across the UK and Europe with innovative, eco-friendly foodservice products, is carrying out product development for a new modular bin system to be used in catering establishments and piloting a new digital system to help improve its recycling processes.


‘The amount of support I’ve received has been overwhelming and has really helped me to focus my efforts on the future of the business’


It has been aided by the D2N2 UpScaler project, which is delivered in partnership by the Chamber and Nottingham Business School, based at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) – which founder and managing director Lynn Johnson compared to “opening a Pandora’s box of growth support”. She said: “The amount of support I’ve received has been overwhelming


and has really helped me to focus my efforts on the future of the business and what I need to do to get there. “Thanks to the programme, I feel that we have grown as a business, but I


have also grown as a person too.” FSG Tableware, which employs six people based at Southglade Business


Park, is the exclusive UK importer for some of the world’s leading food display and tableware manufacturers. Products – which are distributed via a network of catering equipment


distributor – include healthcare-adapted dinnerware to improve nutrition and hydration, eye-catching buffet displays and reusable alternatives to single-use food and drink containers.


While it had experienced solid organic growth since it was founded in


2009, Lynn was keen to take it to the next level but, playing a hands-on role as the head of a small team, was limited by time. She was introduced to UpScaler through NTU’s Leading to Grow


programme, which funded an initial business diagnostic and “helicopter” business plan, as well as identifying the biggest opportunities for growth. Lynn attended UpScaler workshops and benefited from one-to-one


coaching. The programme connected her with Chamber patron RDS Global, which is developing a new digital solution for FSG Tableware, and signposted her to funding opportunities for help with new product development. Lynn plans to recruit new sales staff this year to service the projected growth and hopes to bring manufacturing of some products to the UK. The D2N2 UpScaler project has supported 250 SMEs – with a combined


workforce of 3,550 people and £435m turnover – across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire since November 2018 and comes to an end in June. This consists of 2,733 hours of support and £175,000 worth of grants committed.


For more information visit d2n2lep.org/project/upscaler Support for local food and drink businesses


Food and drink producers in Leicestershire have navigated a steep learning curve with support from the Business Gateway Growth Hub. As businesses turned to online,


takeaway and delivery services, they have been forced to get to grips with digital technology, social media and additional safety requirements. To support producers and


manufacturers, the Growth Hub and its delivery partner The Food and Drink Forum has created a free webinar programme that runs until December this year. Topics include selling online,


finance, diversification, supply chain management, labelling and packing, business continuity and resilience, and workforce management. Growth Hub manager Jon Egley


said: “I am amazed by the innovation and speed with which local food and drink businesses have adapted during this pandemic. This funded programme


34 business networkMay 2021


Gokul Foods business manager Rajal Rajpra


is about working with them to fill any gaps in their knowledge.” Rajal Rajpra, business manager


at Gokul Foods, received support from Growth Hub advisor Joanna Moore to develop her vegetarian catering business specialising in Indian sweets and snacks. Upcoming food and drink


webinars include: 12 May – The art of cashflow forecasting; 19 May – Building a resilient workforce to plan for new ways of working; 26 May – Getting started with food photography and styling; 2 June – Planning product diversification for new markets; 9 June – Flexible workforce development plans.


For more information about free support for Leicestershire-based food and drink producers and the webinar programme, visit bit.ly/3dHICxv, email growthhub@bizgateway.org.uk or call 0116 366 8487.


FSG Tableware managing director Lynn Johnson


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