Four projects, involved in the space industry, food sector, and the development of high-speed rail, are to form the new and innovative East Midlands Manufacturing Zones, announced by the Communities Secretary Rt. Hon. James Brokenshire MP announced last week.

In greater Lincolnshire, £155,000 of funding will accelerate the development of the food and advanced manufacturing industries across Lincolnshire and the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme area, including agri-tech at the Riseholme Campus of the University of Lincoln and the Food Enterprise Zone, Hemswell. Investment will also support projects to improve transport and utilities infrastructure.

Commenting, the Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Leigh MP said:

“The local involvement of both business and research partners within the agri-tech sector, within my constituency, as part of one of the UK’s first Manufacturing Zone shows the important role that Lincolnshire is playing in keeping us at the forefront of new technology and techniques.”

The food sector in Greater Lincolnshire is valued at £3.5 billion with a particular strength in pre-prepared food. There are 75 large UK/international companies and 4,000 small/medium enterprises in the area.