As the Sustainable Scale Up Cluster heads towards its first year anniversary, we’re delighted to have signed up our 50th business member. Under the guidance of the Regional Cluster Manager for south west Wales, Andrew Macpherson, the 50th business to join the Cluster is north Pembrokeshire based The Welsh Saucery, who create artisan sauces to complement Welsh produce. Co-owner Steve Lewis comments “We are thrilled to be accepted into the Sustainable Scale Up Cluster and access the wealth of expertise it contains. We are now reassured and confident that we can grow our business in a way that will be sustainable long term”.
Launched in January last year, the Sustainable Scale Up Cluster’s vision is to build a community of ambitious and scaling Welsh food and drink businesses, driving economic growth of the sector and the communities in which these businesses operate.
The Sustainable Scale Up Cluster Programme Manager, John Taylerson explains “The Sustainable Scale Up Cluster is a multi-disciplinary team, comprising of experienced accountants from the food and drink sector combined with senior managers from banking, marketing and operations. The team are really pleased that they have been able to connect with and help Welsh food and drink businesses that range from small to multi-million pound businesses. The first year of the Cluster hasn’t just been about rapid growth but also recovery and resetting because of the turbulent economics of our times. The experience the team brings is making a big difference to the Cluster members, we look forward to supporting the next 50!”
Jon Langmead, Chief Finance Officer for Puffin Produce and chairperson of the Sustainable Scale Up Cluster Advisory Group commented, “Its great news that the Scale Up Cluster is engaging with so many food and drink businesses who are ambitious for growth, despite the challenges faced over recent years. As a growing company ourselves, we know how valuable it is to have this type of expertise at hand to help businesses navigate a scale up journey.”
Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said: “It's great news the Sustainable Scale Up Cluster has signed up its 50th member, less than a year after starting up.
“We want to see our Welsh Food and Drink sector continue to flourish and the Cluster offers important support to businesses looking to grow, including through collaboration with others on the same journey.
“I wish everyone involved the very best now and for the future.”
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government. Delivered by BIC Innovation.