Food Manufacturing Industrial Symbiosis Solutions (F-MISS)

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The UK food and drink sector is valued at \>£100bn, making it the largest manufacturing sector in the country employing 4 million people and generating £121bn annually, whereby growth in the sector is key to overcoming the economic consequences of Brexit and Covid(Santander,2023). This sector makes up 6% of the total economy, with approximately 8,285 small and medium enterprises(SMEs, including micro), which have a turnover of just under £22bn and comprise 148k employees 2022(UK Govt,2023). In the food sector, SMEs accounted for 78% of businesses, 28% of employment and 16% turnover(Govt,2023).Despite their strong presence in food and beverage manufacturing, SMEs are struggling to survive in today's economic climate, facing extreme challenges in the form of inflation(4.1% increase Aug 21-22), disrupted supply chains(Ukraine and Covid crises) and labour shortages(Brexit), creating the perfect storm for survival(Food and Drink Federation & FoodCircle,2023). Furthermore, consumer bases have shifted preferences towards climate friendly and sustainable products, which SMEs can struggle to keep up with due to the lack of ability to invest in R&D/new processes and innovations that meet these requirements.We are developing new Industrial Symbiosis and business model innovations to overcome these challenges, making the UK SME food manufacturing sector more resilient, robust and sustainable.