Here are the various presentations delivered by the keynote and guest speakers as well as those in the four workshops.

On Wednesday 15^th November 2017, Middlesbrough Food Partnership ran an inspiring food event that showcased what has been achieved over the last few years and how Middlesbrough is now leading the way when it comes to healthy and sustainable food. The event, opened by Middlesbrough Elected Mayor Dave Budd had a number of exciting, inspirational and informative talks. Keynote speaker Prof. Martin Caraher, Centre for Food Policy, City University London talked about the current state of our food system and future opportunities, Pam Warhurst spoke about Incredible Edibles and the role of food growing as a means of community engagement and regeneration.  Mark Fishpool, Director of MEC and chair of the Food Partnership outlined some of the achievements made by the Food Partnership.

The day also included a question and answer session with three independent local food businesses and workshops on replicable best practice where colleagues from local businesses and institutions spoke about how their work is having significant positive impact on healthy and sustainable food.  Other elements included a Meet the Producer event where local producers and suppliers showcased some of the fantastic produce the region has to offer, a guided walk-through tour of Middlesbrough’s new food quarter and a visit and tour of our main sponsor and food business champion Warrens Group’s anaerobic digestion plant. The event had over 80 delegates, with people travelling from as far as Edinburgh, Peterborough, Carlisle and Preston.

Feedback and Comments

“It was a great day. The speakers were excellent, the workshops were valuable and it was interesting to talk to the producers. I thoroughly enjoyed the walk around the town centre – I’ve been telling everyone about how well it has been developed as a food centre (loved the micro pub and restaurant). And, I found out what a parmo is!”
Anne Gibson, NHS Health Scotland

“I really enjoyed being part of the day and came away realising how much we are doing locally and with a feeling that it had stimulated vision and energy for more local action.”
Heather Black, Together Middlesbrough & Cleveland

“I really enjoyed the event yesterday. I had no idea what to expect but found it interesting, stimulating and well organised.”
Aidan Craig, Director, Abak Office Limited

“What an incredibly inspiring event Beyond the Parmo was. Brilliant speakers. Excellent organisation and so well thought out. Can’t praise you and your team enough! Loved the walking tour too and meeting the generous hosts at each stop off. Each workshop was so inclusive and generated a lot of comment and thought.”
Irene Myers, Irene Myers & Associates

“Thank you for inviting me to the event. It was a really good day and I got so much out of it.”
Karen Pearson, Redcar and Cleveland council

“Congratulations on a brilliant event. Great choice of speakers and perfect balance of workshops, networking and meeting producers and local businesses. Really pleased that you asked me to get involved.”
Kay Johnson, The Larder, Preston

“A quick note of thanks. The event today was again very worthwhile for Acorn Dairy. We have two meetings set up to discuss supply and made some very useful contacts which may lead to something in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to be on your sofa panel. I thought your morning speakers were inspiring and you had a wide range of attendees.”
Caroline Bell, Acorn Dairy

“Thanks for organising the day. The work that is being done in Middlesbrough is really inspiring for the three of us who came from Hull and lots of good connections were made.”
Bryony MacFadyen, Hull Sustainable Food City

“Well done on the Beyond the Parmo event. I really enjoyed the day. I think it was a good mix of speakers and loved the Meet the Producer element; a most valuable area. It was a shame that there were not more local businesses there – such an opportunity missed for them.”
Emily Bentley