Northumberland County Council (NCC) are working with support from Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) and Food and Drink North East (FADNE) to lead an ambitious project to revamp the Produced in Northumberland scheme. The recognised initiative that verifies and promotes locally sourced food and drink in Northumberland is set to relaunch.
With a targeted relaunch for Spring 2025, the project aims to redefine the scheme’s purpose, strengthen its value for businesses, and elevate Northumberland’s reputation as a premier food and drink destination.
The Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is delivered by Northumberland County Council. The project is part funded by the North East Combined Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.
Although previously faced with challenges, FADNE, alongside NCC, is spearheading a strategic redevelopment of the scheme. The goal is to create a clearly defined and valued standard that businesses and consumers can trust—one that champions quality, provenance, authenticity, and the integration of local supply chains.
Initially designed to certify and highlight Northumberland-based food and drink producers, the Produced in Northumberland label will continue to aim to drive economic growth, tackle inequalities and achieve value for money.
From inception, FADNE has actively encouraged Northumberland residents and business owners to have their say to help shape how the new initiative will look. The revamped and improved Produced in Northumberland has taken advice from surveys and today held one of two round table events to further enable discussion on the future of the programme.The events have been attended by existing Produced in Northumberland members to gain feedback and suggestions.
The first event which took place at Ad Gefrin, was then followed by a second event at Brocksbushes Farm which enabled Councillors, NCC staff, FADNE project team, delegates including producers, hospitality operators and tourism business operators come together explore factors such as provenance, identity, quality, opportunities to shorten supply chains and enable valuable connections to be made.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth said “It has been a great set of events, supported by programmes who work in the heart of the business community. These events are key for the collaboration and how the council, businesses and residents of Northumberland can work together to showcase all the fantastic Northumbrian food, drink and hospitality”.
The Produced in Northumberland serves as a badge of quality, authenticity, heritage, or a combination of these values. The badge also allows participating businesses to benefit from membership, including marketing support, accreditation advantages, and increased visibility.
NCC, FADNE and NSBS are committed to working together to strengthen the region’s food and drink identity. By relaunching the Produced in Northumberland badge will leverage existing brand assets, programmes, and events, the project will foster a more cohesive and integrated approach to supporting local producers and businesses.
The Produced in Northumberland initiative has the potential to serve as a model for expansion across the broader North East region, creating a unified standard that enhances consumer confidence, supports economic growth, and positions Northumberland and the wider North East as a leader in high-quality, locally sourced food and drink.
Ian Pilkington, FADNE’s Commercial Director said, “Food and Drink North East is happy to be leading this project in collaboration with NCC and NSBS, and the engagement and enthusiasm from Northumberland businesses to create a shared identity and foster a communal sense of collaboration has been great. Moving forward with practical changes to integrate the food, drink, hospitality and tourism sectors is key, and an integral part of the work that we do at FADNE, so that we can elevate the identity, provenance and quality of the region’s food and drink offer – from farm to plate. The recommendations will be released soon, and we want to seize this opportunity to create lasting impact.”
NSBS also offers assistance to micro-small sized businesses across Northumberland. The experienced team and its range of experts work directly with businesses and individuals to help them start, grow, diversify, and sustain their ventures through workshops, 1-2-1 support and networking events across the county.
Eligible businesses can still access a Rural Capital Grant Investment Fund, which supports rural businesses with clear growth plans by providing capital investment to expand production capacity or diversify into new markets or products.
This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
If you have any questions about the event or the Northumberland Small Business Service, please visit Northumberland Small Business Service or contact the team at [email protected].
