NW Fine Food producer membership

Producer membership criteria

Producer members of NW Fine Food must be based in the North West region (Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside or Greater Manchester), and employ less than 250 (full time equivalent) staff. Their products must;

• originate from the region or have had substantial added value carried out in the region
• have a distinctly regional branding or nature, often traditional, typically low volume and demanding a premium price
• be distinctive and of high quality in terms of visual appearance and taste
• be produced using predominantly natural ingredients with the provenance of the end product evident

At NW Fine Food we will help you to promote your business and products to buyers, producers and the public. Because We insist that our members meet the very highest standards of quality, you can be sure that your membership will give you the public and trade recognition as a regional producer of fine food.

Memberships are considered quarterly by NW Fine Food’s Board of Directors, having previously received an inspection visit by a NW Fine Food Project Manager to ensure adherence to the above criteria. Each member will need to provide on an annual basis, the number of employees and their turnover as headline figures. Members will be re-inspected every three years. If the Board of Directors agrees membership, producer members become shareholders of North West Fine Foods Limited, owning a £5 share of the company.

Producer membership package

• Window sticker and certificate certifying that you produce fine food products.
• At least 50% discount on stand costs at Food Lovers Festivals (worth £225 at three events for a single 3m frontage stand)
• Free use of NW Fine Food meeting room (seats 8), subject to availability
• Free entry in NW Fine Food Lovers Guide (minimum 15,000 annual print run circulated to buyers, media and the public)
• Regular industry updates through printed and e-mail newsletters
• Invitation to relevant Meet the Buyer and Meet the Producer events
• Detailed listing on the NW Fine Food website with links to own site if appropriate
• Inclusion in NW Fine Food regional PR/publicity where appropriate
• Signposting to relevant consumer and trade events
• 24 hour Emergency phone cover to deal with unforeseen media or PR crises
• Newsletter

Membership is conditional on the provision of the following information from the producer – Annual turnover and number of staff employed.

NW Fine Food staff receive many requests for details of fine food producers in the North West or recommendations on regional produce. So, whilst the above are tangible member benefits, a significant proportion of NW Fine Food Project Manager work is ‘matchmaking’ between buyers and producers on a more ad hoc basis. In addition, the stringent criteria for membership ensures future members are publicly and indisputably recognised as a fine food producer in the North West - an important contribution to their reputation and future sales.

There are four producer membership fee rates - £500 + VAT per year for members with a turnover in excess of £3m, £250 + VAT per year for members with a turnover in excess of £250k but below £3m, and £200 + VAT per year for those with a turnover of less than £250k.  £150 + VAT per year for Q Guild Members regardless of turnover.

Application for membership

If you would like to discuss membership or wish to apply please ring 01695 732734 or e-mail info@nwfinefood.co.uk or Click here to view an assessment form.