“Something magical happened today at FDMB Live and the ripples of that will be felt for a long time the more people reflect and their businesses grow” – Claire Brumby

The second Food and Drink Means Business Live (FDMB Live) event took place on Friday 27th September and left the sold out audience of ambitious food and drink producers, exhibitors and speakers thrilled with the day. 

Dubbed ‘FDMB Live – second helpings’ by Organisers, Paul and Dawn Caunce, the unique event which combines networking, speakers, workshops and trade exhibitors took place at a packed Junction 36 Conference Centre in Cumbria and was a total sell out a full 7 days before the doors opened. 

The headline sponsors for the event were Bidfood, whose ‘drop in zone’ allowed food and drink producers to learn more about Bidfood and the food service distribution model in general. 

The day itself saw the return of the popular ‘My Start Up Story’ which saw Claire Brumby,Founder of Scrubbys Crisps best selling author and now a leading food and drink business coach (pictured above) and Joe Evans, Director of Marlish Waters (pictured below) both gave honest, humorous and often very highly personal talks about the highs and lows of their roads to success.  

Rend Platings, CEO of Sugarwise (pictured below) spoke to the packed delegation about marketing food and drink products to an ever growing number of low sugar conscious consumers, with an afternoon workshop also taking place on the steps that need to be taken. 

The afternoon programme of events kicked off with a panel discussion led by Charlotte Moore of Smoothie PR and IP and brand protection specialists Abel and Imray on ‘How to build a food and drink brand that makes an impact’.   

The afternoon also included a busy series of workshops on subjects such as Instagram, exporting, NPD and taking on your first employee. 

Delegates were also treated to a free copy of ‘The Winning Mix’ by Claire Brumby courtesy of event sponsor Cartmell Shepherd. 

A packed trade exhibition area meant that delegates could talk directly to specialists in areas such as labelling, software, branding, machinery and packaging.  

A delighted Paul Caunce, Event Organiser and Co-Founder of Food and Drink Means Business commented; “Today has demonstrated that the food and drink scene in the North of England is thriving and it was clear for all to see the hunger that these food and drink entrepreneurs have to make their businesses better.”

Asked if the event will return for more ‘helpings’, he replied; “Absolutely. Our community, which is rapidly growing into the rest of the North of England and Scotland, are very loyal to us and we want to help them as they continue on their business journey.”