91ϵÁÐ

Abstract

Aligned with the goals outlined in the UK Food Strategy 2022, which underscores the imperative for academic institutions to collaborate with food manufacturers, this project emerges as a resounding response to the challenge at hand. By establishing a PBIAA focused on Net-zero food supply systems at Park Royal the consortium aims to usher in a wide-ranging programme of impactful initiatives, encompassing food production, manufacturing, processing, logistics, distribution, and waste management. The overarching mission is to foster circular food economies, fortify absorptive innovation capabilities, and supercharge productivity levels within the cluster of partners and stakeholders.

Description

The Park Royal industrial area – the largest business park in London, straddling the boroughs of Ealing and Brent – is ‘London’s Kitchen’, a thriving hub that’s home to more than 500 businesses in the food sector, who collectively produce 30% of the capital’s food and drink and contribute £8 billion a year to the economy. As with the broader UK food system, Park Royal’s businesses are grappling with technological challenges. This is the setting for the Place-Based Impact Accelerator Account (PBIAA) focused on net-zero food supply systems with £2.5 million fund awarded by EPSRC.  

The primary goal of this initiative is to bring about positive change by reducing carbon costs, enhancing resilience, and stimulating economic growth in West London. Park Royal, a thriving hub, contributes significantly to London’s food supply and is home to businesses grappling with technological challenges in the broader UK food system.

The consortium includes Brunel University, 91ϵÁÐ and civic partner West London Business. The project is led by Professor Savvas Tassouo and Professor Geoff Rodgers of Brunel University. The project will open up numerous opportunities for Brunel and Harper Adams academics to engage in impact and collaboration activities with businesses operating on the industrial estate. Together, they will develop a comprehensive programme tailored to address the innovation challenges facing the food manufacturing and distribution sector in Park Royal.