Claim company looking to move to Holbeach

Another food industry company is looking to move to Holbeach, it’s been claimed.

Lincolnshire County Council executive councillor for economic development, environment and planning Colin Davie said that a business currently based in the south east of England was in negotiations for a two-acre plot at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone.

And he told a meeting of the authority’s Executive that the Holbeach park was ‘critical’ amid fears over possible national shortages due to current events.

“Nine out of 11 plots on phase one of that development are now under offer,” he said. “Our hub building is progressing very well. We expect the handover in June and we’ve already started with our agents in terms of letting those units.

“One other business is currently negotiating on a two-acre plot which will be a major relocation for that business from the south east of England.

“Of course we are in advanced discussions on phase two of the site.

“This is a critical development for our sector, not just in Lincolnshire but nationally, and I’m very helpful it will place a significant role in persuading government Lincolnshire has a leading role in delivering the food security policy of the nation and that our county land is so productive we need to look after it to keep food prices at a level that is affordable for consumers.”

Coun Nick Worth, said: “The units are filling up quite quickly which is really good news for the FEZ.

“It’s great that it’s attracting companies looking to invest in business and the area, probably bringing some jobs and some highly skilled ones at that.”

Coun Davie told the meeting that the area produced 30 per cent of the UK’s vegetables, 16 per cent of poultry and a total output worth £2bn or 12 per cent of the country’s food production.

“The issues of food security are going to go up the agenda quite considerably in the next few weeks,” he continued. “We’ve already taken the view that Holbeach and the South Lincolnshire area is critical.

“It’s the centre of the UK fresh produce so we’re driving that agenda forward.”