- The Greater Manchester Food and Drink Network brought together food and drink manufacturers, suppliers and sector stakeholders from across the region to build connections, share insights and support industry growth.
- Attendees heard from industry experts on business growth, packaging innovation and international trade opportunities, including routes to market in Australia.
- The event provided practical takeaways, networking opportunities and a platform for businesses to showcase their products, services and innovations.
GM Business Growth Hub hosted the first instalment of the ‘GM Food & Drink Network’, the first in a series of bi-annual networking events to bring together food & drink community – an incredibly important industry with so much to offer.
The event acted as a catalyst for new connections, knowledge sharing and the exploration of growth opportunities, supporting the continued growth of the food and drink sector. Exhibitors from across Greater Manchester included Wigan Council, the University of Salford, Fleet Dynamic, Brighter Cleaning Studios and many more.
A key theme throughout the event was the growing importance of international trade and the opportunities available to Greater Manchester's food and drink businesses looking to expand into overseas markets. Attendees heard from industry experts and manufacturers who shared practical insights into exporting, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges involved in exporting to new places.
The event opened with a presentation from Dan Helm from British Provender, who shared practical insights into exporting food and drink products to Australia. His session explored the realities of entering the Australian market, covering shipping times, import requirements, labelling regulations and route-to-market considerations. Delegates gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities available through the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement, as well as the importance of building strong relationships with local distributors and partners to achieve long-term success.
Pictured: Dan Helm, Operations Manager at British Provender
Next, a presentation from Tom Fletcher, Managing Director of Firstplay Dietary Foods. Tom shared his company's export journey and demonstrated how a niche Stockport-based manufacturer has successfully developed international markets, with export customers forming part of the business from its earliest days. Delegates heard how Firstplay has expanded its reach across the globe, highlighting the importance of adaptability, trusted partnerships and a clear understanding of customer needs when trading internationally.
Tom's presentation offered an honest account of the challenges that come with exporting, from navigating varying regulations and healthcare systems to identifying the right distribution partners. He also spoke about the role of innovation, collaboration and support from organisations including GM Business Growth Hub in helping the business achieve sustained growth both in the UK and overseas.
Pictured: Tom Fletcher, Managing Director at Firstplay Dietary Foods
The event also gave attendees the opportunity to take the spotlight through a series of business pitches. These short, three-minute presentations enabled businesses from across the food and drink supply chain to showcase their products, services and expertise, while highlighting opportunities to collaborate with fellow attendees. Pitching businesses included Chillcoat Foods, Salsa, Blazing Limited and House of Rum, each providing valuable insight into their business and the role they play within the sector.
Pictured: Adam Driver, Managing Director at Chillcoat Foods
Following the pitches, Tom Haworth, Business Adviser at GM Business Growth Hub, delivered a practical session focused on improving productivity through the use of artificial intelligence tools. Attendees explored techniques for prioritising tasks, reducing administrative burden and using AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot to free up valuable time for higher-value business activities.
Pictured: Tom Haworth, Manufacturing Advisor at GM Business Growth Hub
The final speaker of the day was Mark Holmes, General Manager at Smurfit Westrock, who explored the role packaging plays in product protection, sustainability, customer experience and supply chain efficiency. Mark highlighted how smarter packaging decisions can reduce costs, improve environmental performance and create efficiencies throughout the manufacturing process, while also helping businesses respond to ever evolving sustainability requirements.
Pictured: Mark Holmes, General Manager at Smurfit Westrock
Alongside the speaker programme, the event provided valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration. The afternoon featured dedicated one-to-one meetings between manufacturers, suppliers, support organisations and industry specialists such as GM Business Growth Hub, Green Economy & GMCA, creating space for meaningful conversations around business growth. Attendees were able explore new commercial relationships and identify areas where collaboration could help unlock future growth.
The launch of the Greater Manchester Food and Drink Network highlighted the sector's appetite for collaboration, innovation and growth. Building on the success of the event, the network will return on 25th February 2027, providing another opportunity for food and drink businesses across Greater Manchester to connect, share insights, build valuable new partnerships and discuss opportunities for international growth.
To discover more about our Manufacturing offer: Advanced Manufacturing | GM Business Growth Hub
To discover more about our International Growth offer: International Growth | GM Business Growth Hub
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