A Strategy for the South East Region



To look at opportunities in the South East region, a study was commissioned by the South East Food Group Partnership (SEFGP) in 2005, and the work was undertaken by F3 - the local food consultants. It was funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Government Office for the South East (GOSE).

Below is a brief overview of our strategy and we are now working with GOSE & SEEDA to deliver the objectives it contains. You can download our strategy in full from the links area on the left-hand side of this page.

Key Aim
Action
Supporting farmers & producers who are interested in supplying
the public sector

 
  • Providing advice & assistance with audit and quality assurance standards required by public sector institutions.
  • Providing financial & practical support for new product development & sourcing buyers for new products.
  • Encouraging collaboration between producer-controlled businesses & co-operative ventures.
  • Introducing willing suppliers to interested public sector buyers.

Building relationships with the existing supply chain

 
  • Working with wholesale distributors to list more nominated lines of local produce and encouraging the distribution & marketing of local products developed specifically for the public sector.
  • Working with contract caterers towards the introduction of more local food by sourcing local producers who are able to supply required volumes. 
  • Building on & supporting existing local food networks which may be suitable for supplying to public sector.
Working in partnership with public sector
decision-makers & procurement officers

 
  • Providing advice, training & support in writing contracts and tender documents which offer better opportunities for local suppliers & producers
  • Generating enthusiasm & support for local produce through buyer-supplier introductory events and organised visits to local producers.
Supporting catering staff
in the public sector

 
  • Providing training where necessary to catering staff working with local produce, through workshops, promotions & supplier visits.
  • Organising events and activities which promote the uptake of local food and stimulate further demand.

Facilitating communication across the south east region

 
  • Getting to know procurement champions & public sector procurement policy-makers across the south east and around the rest of the country.
  • Organising a regular forum for public sector buyers & interested parties to share best practice and learn about activities across the region.
  • Organisinge buyer & supplier introductory events in partnership with Food Groups in the south east.
  • Supporting the growth of an information system which brings buyers & suppliers together 

 

 

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