New affiliate scheme for businesses launches after Made in Gloucestershire success
Following the successful launch of Made in Gloucestershire back in July 2022, a new ‘affiliate scheme’ for businesses to join the initiative has been announced.
The new affiliate scheme is for any organisation that supports or is connected to the food and drink industry, but isn’t a food or drink producer themselves, and wants to champion Gloucestershire’s independent foodie producers and hospitality industry.
Dev Chakraborty, Deputy Chief Executive of GFirst LEP, said: “Since launching in July, we have had many enquiries from businesses looking to support the Made in Gloucestershire initiative.
“Our fantastic food and drink producers can't do it alone. They are supported by a network of businesses that champion our local makers and provide services to the food, drink and hospitality sector here in Gloucestershire.
“Through Made in Gloucestershire, we want to drive local procurement and local trading, so every business can thrive through working together.
“That’s why we have launched our affiliate scheme so businesses can show their support for local producers, develop new partnerships and supply chains, and amplify our message of buying and loving local.
“There is no set criteria for affiliates but they should be as passionate about Gloucestershire’s produce as we are and support the industry through their work.”
Affiliates can support Made in Gloucestershire by promoting the initiative, encouraging their staff and customers to shop local, and using the producers listed on the website to supply their business. Simple things like swapping your coffee supplier to a local business or considering who caters your events can make a big difference.
Affiliates receive a directory listing, can display an official badge on their website and social media to show they support local, and can share news or special offers with the Made in Gloucestershire members.
Affiliates so far include Gloucestershire College, Campden BRI, Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival, Too Good To Go, The Folk of Gloucester, The Sauce Tradeshow, Trust in Property, Chute Design, Business Finance Trust and Charlotte Tolhurst Photography.
Shelly McCatty, Head of Marketing at Gloucestershire College, said: “Gloucestershire College is delighted to support Made in Gloucestershire as an affiliate. Championing our local food and drink producers is important as we know they make up a large proportion of our county’s employers - creating jobs and opportunities, especially for young people, within the hospitality industry.
“At Gloucestershire College, we are training the next generation of talent through our apprenticeships and professional courses. Out of commercial restaurants at our Cheltenham and Forest of Dean campuses, we offer courses in catering and hospitality, patisserie and confectionery, professional cookery and hospitality supervision.
“We’re passionate about supporting the local food and drink industry and work with county producers, suppliers and employers to inspire our learners in their career, sustainability and consumer choices. Made in Gloucestershire aligns with our values of supporting local and we’d encourage other businesses in the county to get behind this new initiative to help our food and drink sector thrive.”
So far more than 70 producers and hospitality venues have joined as members of Made in Gloucestershire.
