Helping the UK stay at the forefront of global potato production, processing and retailing

KTN and the Department for International Trade are taking part in special trade and innovation hub at a major event for potato industry.

Potatoes are big business Рfrom seed to your plate, the growing, handling, processing, packaging and retailing of this popular food is a multi billion pound industry.

Once every two years the Potato Industry comes together at a major showcase event. This year BP2017 will be held at the Yorkshire Conference Centre in Harrogate on 22nd and 23rd November. With a seminar programme ranging from soil health to understanding the needs of consumers, this event will put the international future of the UK potato industry centre stage.

A brand new feature of BP2017 is a special trade and innovation hub in association with the Department for International Trade (DIT) and the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN).

One of the¬†UK’s strengths is its focus on innovation and KTN will be seeking to strengthen this further through its participation in the event.

KTN’s Head of Agrifood, Jayne Brookman, explains:

“Many large organisations have embraced innovation but others, especially small and medium sized businesses, aren’t always aware of the support that’s available. So our focus within the trade & innovation hub will be on informal presentations, advice clinics and case studies to show just how feasible it is for potato businesses of any size to adopt a pro-active approach to innovation. And better still, we’ll also be highlighting help that’s available, including a variety of potential funding sources.”

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Elizabeth Warham, Head of Agri-Tech Organisation (ATO) at DIT predicts that the trade and innovation hub also will appeal to both exhibitors and visitors interested in growing business in overseas markets:

“ATO is the first port of call for overseas companies looking for investment opportunities in the UK and for UK-based companies seeking assistance to expand their international business.

“The organisation champions the role of agri-tech in strengthening success in UK exports and investment, and helping drive sustainable intensification of agriculture to provide global access to sufficient, safe, healthy food.

“So we’ll be highlighting how our unique hybrid team of private sector specialists and civil servants, combines the expertise and knowledge of business, academia and government from across the UK and the international agri-tech sector.

“Also how we work alongside DIT’s global network of in-country experts in over 100 markets, and the tailored advice and support available to those looking to develop and commercialise new technologies in the UK. The ATO also leverages Government influence to address barriers to trade and to accelerate routes to market for UK companies looking to export their products in new markets.”

BP2017 is taking place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd November. It provides an exceptional networking and business opportunity for all those involved in growing, handling, processing and retailing potatoes. Further information and pre-registration is available at www.bp2017.co.uk.

If you are interested in discussing innovation opportunities within any agri-food industry you can contact a member of KTN’s Agri-Food Team.