Food and drink entrepreneurs are invited to get an exclusive look inside one of the UK’s premier innovation centres, The Food WorksSW, located in Weston-super-Mare. On Thursday, October 2, from 10am to 3pm, the centre will open its doors for a free industry open day, offering a unique opportunity to explore its facilities and access expert advice.
Visitors will tour five specialized development kitchens, a newly added photography studio, and a modern canning line—all designed to help food and beverage businesses innovate, scale, and thrive.
The event features two insightful seminars led by in-house experts. Zoe Plant, New Product Development and Innovation Manager, will present “How To Start Your Own Food or Drink Business,” providing essential guidance for budding entrepreneurs. Beth Winters, Technical Manager, will host a session on “Food Safety in Your Business,” covering crucial compliance and safety practices.
READ MORE: Bath Rugby Stadium Plans Face Key Council Decision
READ MORE: North Somerset Council Cancels Costly Bus Lane Plan in Backwell Amid Village Opposition
In addition to the seminars, free one-on-one drop-in clinics will be available throughout the day. Industry professionals will offer personalized support in marketing, public relations, finance, branding, legal matters, investment strategies, and more—helping businesses overcome challenges and unlock growth opportunities.
Established by North Somerset Council and operated by the not-for-profit Future Food Partnership CIC, The Food WorksSW offers flexible short-term hire of its development kitchens, tailored for diverse sectors like bakery, dairy, and drinks. The centre also provides technical assistance with food safety, production scaling, labeling, and certification to ensure businesses meet industry standards.
This open day also marks the launch of The Food WorksSW’s first formal partnership initiative, inviting businesses to join and contribute to the wider food and hospitality community.