THE exciting concept of a dedicated business park in Okehampton for local food and drink producers was this week welcomed by business leaders and politicians. The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) has begun a consultation exercise into a proposal to create a purpose-built food sector business plant on the expanded Exeter Road industrial site. Tim Jones, chairman of Devon and Cornwall Business Council said further development for commerce in Okehampton was ?long-awaited?. He said: ?If any market town in Devon deserves to get a huge boost through further development from the RDA, after what the farming industry has been through with foot and mouth, then it is Okehampton. ?This is a fantastic opportunity in a sector which Okehampton will deliver in?. And Mr Jones said a food park would have a knock-on benefit for the rest of the local economy. ?There is clear evidence if you can get into primary production of this type, the supply chain is critically important and also benefits. Whatever jobs are created on site, we would expect to create 50% more off site in related industries.? Geoffrey Cox, West Devon and Torridge MP said: ?It seems an excellent idea. We know all about the quality of the food producers working in the area. The question is, do we have the processing and distribution networks? The answer is probably no, so I applaud the RDA for getting involved in this. ?Okehampton is brilliantly situated for such a project. It is right in the centre of the farming community which would provide the raw materials, has good transport links and established haulage industry. It is a very good place to have it.? Mr Cox said he understood the scheme was at the drawing board stage at present, but declared he would be working hard to encourage the project to get off the ground. The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) which works for the economic development of the region, owns the Exeter Road industrial land and would provide funding for the project. The agency is working in conjunction with partners West Devon Borough Council, who is acting as project manager. A West Devon Borough Council spokesperson said: ?We are working with the RDA developing different strategies for that particular site.? SWRDA had previously backed proposals for a major food park at Junction 27 of the M5 near Tiverton, but these plans fell down due to changes in planning laws. SWRDA has now commissioned a questionnaire which has been distributed to local food and drink companies. It will ascertain whether there is strong demand for food and drink production and industry support services located in Okehampton. The scheme would allow existing and new businesses to expand and encourage inward investment. The findings of the survey will be used to make recommendations to the SWRDA about how any proposed development should be taken forward, if there is enough support for it. Food producers, including Heinz, Ambrosia and Kerry Aptunion, are already firmly established in Okehampton and the surrounding area. Derek Harrison, operations consultant for the SWRDA?s Devon area team said: ?We are very keen to support the region?s food and drink businesses by helping the development of modern, purpose-built premises. ?The food and drink industry contributes millions of pounds to South West England?s economy, and so we welcome research that will help us understand how businesses in that sector can be more productive.?
