Flintshire businesses benefit from Project HELIX support

The latest outputs from Project HELIX, a pan-Wales strategic initiative, which provides food and drink companies with technical and commercial support, shows it has had an impact of over £161 million since it launched in 2016.

Among the local food and drink companies that have benefited from the support is The Pudding Compartment. Based in Flint they specialise in the creation of premium puddings and desserts that they sell to restaurants, pubs, canteens and shops across the UK.

Project HELIX is delivered by Food Innovation Wales, a partnership of three food centres across Wales, including Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Food Technology Centre, which supports businesses across north Wales and parts of mid Wales. Eligible companies have access to a range of expertise to help them grow and succeed through developing innovative new products, increasing their efficiency and adopting a strategic approach to business.

As a result of the support provided by the Food Technology Centre, The Pudding Compartment has seen a marked improvement in its products and over the past seven years, turnover has increased from £50,000 to £1m.

Extensive work was carried out in terms of developing, improving and testing existing products, and the company has seen other benefits such as the opportunity to attend conferences and site visits, opportunities that without Project HELIX support would not otherwise have been presented to the company.

Steve West, Managing Director of The Pudding Compartment, said: “The Food Technology Centre in Llangefni has been an invaluable resource that’s helped us grow our business. We wouldn’t be where we are today without Project HELIX support and the ongoing support of the centre. If we face any challenges, the centre is our first ‘port of call’. Likewise, the centre will alert us and keep us up to date with any changes to legislation – which is essential for a business like ours. The centre has been a big part of our success from the very beginning, and we look forward to working with them on future projects.

"We value the partnership approach.”

The initiative has helped food and drink companies navigate the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic by providing a range of support including mentoring companies through remote food safety audits and helping them capitalise on new consumer trends such as the growth of online retail.

Commenting on the latest output figures from Project HELIX, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said, “This latest set of figures from Project HELIX shows the positive effect it continues to have on our vibrant Welsh food and drink industry.

“With its impact of over £161 million, Project HELIX remains at the forefront of the continued growth of the food and drink manufacturing industry in Wales, and its support has directly resulted in the creation and safeguarding of thousands of jobs.

“Throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Project HELIX has helped companies adapt and innovate. I encourage Welsh manufacturers to explore the support opportunities which are available to them through Project HELIX.”