Mission Kitchen launched Network Membership, its latest initiative to support the UK’s food start-up entrepreneurs, on April 17^th.  

Network Membership is a new membership programme that offers F&B founders flexible access to a non-stop programme of events, expert advice, and business support aimed at accelerating the growth of challenger brands in the food and drink sector.

Since opening in 2021, Mission Kitchen, a shared workspace and incubator built on the first floor of New Covent Garden Market’s Food Exchange, has provided a unique platform for London’s independent food and drink businesses; offering flexible access to commercial kitchens, co-working facilities, and business incubation.

It now supports an on-site community of more than 100 start-ups, who all also benefit from an industry leading programme of learning, networking, and business development opportunities as part of their membership package.

Network Membership will offer the same support to 100s more early-stage food and drink start-ups. For a monthly fee of £89, members will get unlimited access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:

• Exclusive meet-the-buyer events where they can pitch products directly to retailers and foodservice operators including major retailers like Holland & Barrett and independents like Gladwell’s, Greensmiths, and Old Spike Roastery.
• Free 1:1 advisory support sessions with carefully selected specialists on subjects including financial planning, product development, investment and branding.
• The opportunity to apply for 6 months of individual mentoring from an industry veteran, with previous mentors including the founders of Honest Burger, Pizza Pilgrims, Happy Endings and Bleecker Burger.
• Insights and expertise from industry leaders through monthly Founder Q&As and panel discussions with recent speakers including the founders of exemplary UK food start-ups; Willy’s Pies, Get Baked, Bold Bean Co., Pip & Nut and Belazu.
• A Private Slack channel for knowledge sharing and networking, as well as regular networking events to connect with other entrepreneurs and the wider industry.

As an extra incentive, the, the first 25 founders to join the programme will receive 50% off the first 12 months of membership, joining the existing community of challenger brands including artisan peanut butter ManiLife, feel-good food-to-go Pollen + Grace, plant-based cheese superstar Julienne Bruno, gut-loving Momo Kombucha and food innovation start-up Nova Meat.

To benefit from this limited offer, enquiries must be made by Friday May 10^th .

Charlie Gent, co-founder of Mission Kitchen said: “Over the last three years we have learnt a huge amount about the kind of support small businesses need to thrive in the food and drink industry. We are now turning that knowledge, and all the events and opportunities we have built as a result, into something that is accessible for founders everywhere. We can’t wait to see our community grow from the 100 businesses we have on-site today, to a much bigger network made up of the UK food industry’s incredible entrepreneurial talent.”

For more information and to apply for membership, visit www.missionkitchen.org/network

For media inquiries, please contact: Shanice Bryce, Marketing & Design Executive, shanice@missionkitchen.org