The Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics (CFFPL), part of the Boston Town Deal, has successfully supported local businesses through a wide-ranging programme of grants, training, and technical assistance with innovation and business development support. Delivered by the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) and Boston College, the project engaged over 100 businesses and significantly exceeded its training targets—delivering more than 400 training courses to local employees.

Businesses accessed over £250,000 in small capital grants unlocking total investments of nearly £700,000 in new equipment.  Projects included modernising bakery equipment, upgrading seafood handling systems, and introducing low-carbon technologies.  The innovation support also led to further substantial investments, with Greencore investing over £3 million in refrigeration and production line improvements following technical support from NCFM, and Batemans Brewery enhancing energy efficiency with upgraded tank systems and the Port of Boston improving warehouse operations through new handling equipment.

Alongside investment, the project offered a variety of short courses, covering topics such as digital skills, sustainability, and food safety.  Several businesses also reported using the support to expand product lines, streamline operations, or improve health and safety.

Businesses additionally had access to a range of local industry events and networking sessions to build the cluster and some even ventured as far afield as Norway, as part of a delegation to the Norwegian Seafood conference, supported by the CFFPL team and UK Seafood Federation CEO Simon Dwyer.

The programme demonstrated fantastic local engagement and has contributed to improving innovation, skills and business capabilities in Boston’s food supply chain.