In the food and drink sector, products literally have to compete for shelf space. Having products that are distinctive or stand out can be a powerful benefit.

Appetizing Innovation, an initiative supported by Yorkshire Forward, is a project that brings together a consortium of leading product and packaging innovation experts with experience in supporting companies to remain competitive and successful in today's challenging economic climate.

Funding is available to all food and drink companies in the Yorkshire and Humber region - from small start-ups with exciting new ideas, to established major players. Appetizing Innovation has increased financial assistance to companies to up to 60 per cent of the total project cost to help them access specialist help. This increased funding is available to the end of March 2010.

The project is led by Food Processing Faraday Partnership (FPFP). Design Futures are part of the consortium along with Sheffield Hallam University's Centre for Food Innovation, Leeds Metropolitan University and the Regional Food Group. Through the consortium, companies are able to access a range of sources with the most up to date skills, technologies and equipment and be supported throughout by a dedicated account manager.

John Stanford, Technology translator at Food Processing Faraday Partnership, said:
'Some companies have exciting ideas for innovation but may feel it is too risky to try. We want to help them to access, in as straightforward a way as possible, the expertise already available in the region.'

He added: 'One of the key requirements for funding support is that projects are truly innovative - they must be looking at something original, or developing a different way of doing things. We will help companies to find the right consortium partner to work with to develop their ideas once they've been assessed as meeting the necessary criteria - and we'll be in close contact with them throughout to ensure the project moves forward successfully. And of course they will be able to access funding of up to 50 per cent of the total cost of the project.'

'Businesses don't always know how to develop their ideas themselves, or where they can access help. The element of risk involved in new product development is also a key concern - but with the latest funding offer and the support of the Appetizing Innovation team there is a firm foundation for success.'

www.appetizinginnovation.co.uk