The Norwich Food Science Supercluster

We hear from Mike Rigby, Chief Executive of Eastern Promise about how Norwich’s collection of assets across the food, agricultural and science sectors presents a unique opportunity for workers and businesses coming to the region.

 

What is Eastern Promise?

Eastern Promise showcases and champions the East of England, the wonderful things happening in our region and the amazing people making them happen.

Though we do feature many region-wide groups and initiatives, we also take each county, city, town and village on its own terms, respecting their distinct identity.

Critically, we focus on positivity, opportunity and potential, and we have a strict ‘no moan’ policy. With apologies to Lord Reith and the BBC, our mission is to inform, energise and, occasionally, entertain.

Our main tool is our podcast, imaginatively titled ‘Eastern Promise – The Podcast’ and its CrowdSourcery feature – where people share their favourite places, activities or amenities in our region on social media, and I then share their recommendations on the podcast, with some added bells and whistles – is proving incredibly popular.

Explain what the Norwich Food Science Supercluster is for anyone who doesn’t know, and why everyone should be excited about it

At present, it’s a powerful narrative, a story that can be told about the excellence across the board in this area.

It’s important to present a thematic structure for decision makers who may not be scientists or industry experts so that they can quickly grasp the depth and breadth of the opportunity and potential of the city. In time, it may grow into something greater… we will see!

What opportunities are there for anyone working in agricultural/food/food science in Norwich?

They are huge. It’s about far more than just choosing between farmer, baker, or scientist. In fact, most of what we call ‘science’ isn’t done by the actual ‘scientist’ at all. There’s a whole world of people making it happen, as with farming, food and drink.

 

Describe the food science scene in Norwich at the moment

First, let’s define what we mean by ‘food science’: it’s the whole gamut of food-related activity being conducted in and around Norwich. That includes food and drink production, brewing and distilling, farming and agri-tech, crop and soil science, gut health, food research, and microbiology.

There’s also higher and further education looking at food-related disciplines across the board, from agriculture to catering, food technology, business studies, animal care, you name it.

Within that definition, Norwich has unique assets. Scientists and researchers on Norwich Research Park; food and drink experts across the county and particularly on the Food Enterprise Park at Honingham, with the county’s Food, Farming and Countryside champions, the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, along with Easton College, co-located assets the southwestern edge of Norwich. They are all doing amazing work and that work is growing.

So, in a word: unique.

What are the main things you love about Norwich?

It genuinely feels like nowhere else on Earth. You can go from glass and steel to cobbled streets and ancient buildings in just a few steps.

I’ve lived in Norfolk, about 20 mins south of Norwich, for over 20 years. Like many working in the Fine City, I was brought to Norfolk post-graduation by a partner who was from the city/county, in my case my then-girlfriend-now-wife, a Norfolk girl who refused to contemplate living anywhere else. I now know exactly what she meant and I love coming into the city for work, rest & play!

Its character – the quirkiness, individuality and independence of spirit are truly inspiring. It’s incomparable.

Its size – it’s so easy to get across the centre on foot in relatively little time.

Its openness – its welcome to ‘strangers’.

How would you describe the working community in Norwich?

Small, easy to get to know, occasionally in need of reminding how brilliant they are!

If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking of moving to Norwich for work, what would it be?

Do it. There’s nowhere else quite like it on Earth.

Mike’s Norwich picks…

  • Yalm – an ever-unfolding pleasure!
  • The Oxfam Bookshop near Jarrolds.
  • “I spent every Tuesday at the Leslie Terrance Plant Café at the end of Waterloo Road. It’s now moved into the centre which is great! Also: Dicks Café/Bar, Café W in Waterstones (quiet!)”
  • “Always love The Forum, even just as a meeting place. The Cathedral Close, Tombland and Timberhill are lovely spots to just ramble through.”