From Coronation Street to Cheese Maker - Food network Spring Conference

Directors of a pioneering East Yorkshire food network are encouraging local businesses to attend its Spring conference in Bishop Burton on 20^thApril.

Entitled ‘Celebrating & Supporting Local Food and Small, Rural Businesses', the East Yorkshire Local Food Network event takes place at Bishop Burton College between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

The guest speaker is Sean Wilson, who made the break from playing Martin Platt in one of Brtiain's biggest soap operas to follow his passion for food. Local food hero, Justin Staal, will also share his journey from tourism to fish smoking.

Everyone is welcome to meet members dedicated to growing food, drink and hospitality in East Yorkshire. There will be advice available about how to access business support and the opportunities for funding to help rural business involved in the food chain.

There will be opportunities to network with members of the new LEADER CWWW, North Yorkshire & East Riding LEP and Visit Hull and East Yorkshire and Visit York. There will also be information available from organisers of farmers' markets, food festivals & events and suppliers of food related goods and services. A buffet lunch featuring local food will be served.

In addition, the ‘Enjoy Local Food & Drink Guide 2015-16' and the Beverley Food Festival and East Yorkshire Food Awards 2015 will be launched.

Chair of the EYLFN, Graham Ward said: "The network is growing rapidly and the Spring conference is a great opportunity to showcase the best food and drink related business and organisations in East Yorkshire and the surrounding area to new customers . Local is about knowing who grew or processed it. Whether eating at home or cooked by our passionate chefs local is to ENJOY."

Entrance to the event is free, but delegates must register in advance by contacting Judith Warnes or David Farnsworth on 01482 391650 or by e mailing localfood@eastriding.gov.uk

Graham Ward concluded: "Benefits of the network, which costs £50 per year to join, are many and varied and include: being part of a larger voice for local food and drink; free listing in Enjoy Local Food & Drink guide that is distributed to public, press and trade; free entry into the Beverley Food Festival and East Yorkshire Food awards; promotional support in all media and through other East Yorkshire partnerships; free listings on www.enjoy-eastyorks-food.co.ukandwww.visithullandeastyorkshire.comwebsites."

Established in 2010, The East Yorkshire Local Food Networkchampions the wide range of delicious food and drink available in and around East Yorkshire for the benefit of local food and drink businesses and communities and currently has 140 members. The network has support from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's rural team.If you are asmall or medium-sized food and drink related business or organisation in East Yorkshire and within 30 miles of the boundary and would like to joinan expanding network, please visithttp://enjoy-eastyorks-food.co.uk/or email Judith Warnes at localfood@eastriding.gov.uk.

Ends

Photo: The 2015 Food Guide will be launched at the conference

For more information or to arrange an interview with Graham Ward, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;

Direct line: 01430 871360

Mobile: 07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. For more information about The East Yorkshire Local Food Network, please visithttp://enjoy-eastyorks-food.co.uk. The network welcomes enquiries from;

   1. Local food and drink producers

   2. Local hospitality businesses and retailers committed to sourcing seasonal, local produce as part of their business offer

   3. Suppliers of goods and services to the local food sector

   4. Organisers of farmers' markets, food festivals, country shows and events promoting local produce