Food is the "perfect industry for entrepreneurs", the founder of top puddings brand Gü James Averdieck told a sell-out event in Norfolk.
More than 120 Norfolk and Suffolk producers came together - with more joining virtually - as the Broadland Food Innovation Centre Project held its first ever food and drink conference on Wednesday, March 29, at Barnham Broom, near Norwich.
Mr Averdieck, founder of Gü & Coconut Collaborative, charted his rise from middle management to creating successful global brands and revolutionising the UK's desserts market.
"Food can be the perfect industry for entrepreneurs as many can be started with relatively small investment," he told delegates. "In my opinion the UK is the best place to start a food business."
The aim of the Nourish: Food and Drink conference - hosted by the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Food Innovation Cluster - was to inspire local businesses and start-ups by hearing from brand builders and leaders from across the sector.
Cassandra Stavrou, founder of PROPER Snacks, shared advice about how to embrace creativity and emotion in businesses.
Hannah Springham, founder of Farmyard Frozen in Norwich shared the journey that she and her chef partner took in lockdown to innovate the frozen food sector with restaurant-quality food.
Joseph Cordy of Paddy & Scott's Coffee in Ipswich explained how the brand decided to invest in the farms and community they work with in Kenya.
Speaking afterwards Mr Averdieck praised the event.
“UEA have created a thriving entrepreneurial cluster of food companies in East Anglia, which will really help start-up companies in their early years.
"It was a very successful event - good speakers, great debates and an engaging audience with bundles of energy."
Delegates got to take part in a series of hands-on workshops - including one hosted by Fergus Fitzgerald of Southwold brewer and distiller Adnams explaining how to innovate and develop food and drink products.
They were also told how the Broadland Food Innovation Centre Project - which aims to support sector businesses across Norfolk and Suffolk - can help them.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here