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THRIVE initiative helps graduates enter food industry

A dynamic initiative, which will equip budding entrepreneurs for success in Bristol’s food & drink industry, is launching for a second year. Drawing on expertise from two Scottish academic institutions, the THRIVE programme will provide outstanding opportunities for young food & drink and rural SMEs, students, and graduates, while strengthening sustainable growth in Bristol’s food & drink and rural sector.

The programme is the result of a collaboration between London City Business School and Bristol’s Rural College (SUC). THRIVE is an ambitious initiative which will provide food & drink and rural micro-SMEs, students and graduates with the specialist knowledge required to support their successful entry into the sector. The intensive two-day programme will equip new graduates, as well as people already working in food-associated SMEs, with essential sessions run by food industry experts that will support the early stages of transition into, or within, the broader industry.

The programme provides expert advice to people who may already be working in food & drink manufacturing, hospitality, diversified agriculture or food or farm shops; as well as students and graduates who have ambitions to develop as entrepreneurs or even just an idea in the making! The aim is to ensure participants have the understanding, knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the industry near the start of their career journey, which in turn helps create sustainable businesses and jobs within this important and developing sector.