Food Business Investment Scheme: a review

Main findings

• Overall, research participants were positive about the scheme. Generally, participants felt any challenges they experienced as a result of the scheme were outweighed by its strengths.
• The key strengths identified by food businesses were: the outputs achieved as a result of the capital investment; the support provided by government and government-funded officials (including business support officials); and the direct impacts businesses ascribed to the grant funding. These direct impacts included increased employment, training opportunities and improved environmental sustainability. These aspects contributed to the popularity of the scheme; research participants felt it filled a gap in terms of the support available for Wales’ food and drinks businesses.  
• Areas for improving the scheme were also identified by research participants. The main issues identified where the length and rigidity of the application and claims processes, and inconsistencies around communication with Welsh Government officials.
• Despite the challenges with the scheme identified by research participants, the majority felt it had hugely benefited those businesses in receipt of support. More generally, the view was the scheme had positively impacted upon Wales’ food and drink sector. Many participants would like to see future investment in other types of support, such as training opportunities around business skills.