A NEW course has been launched in the hope of inspiring the next wave of nationally recognised food businesses from Dorset.

With producers and other firms in the food industry currently helping to put Dorset on the national culinary map, Kingston Maurward College near Dorchester and independent training provider White Pepper have teamed up to launch the trailblazing course.

Kingston Maurward governor Tom Amery, who is also managing director of The Watercress Company at Waddock Cross, near Dorchester, said that firms such as Conker Gin and the Brace of Butchers are among those gaining national attention and he is hopeful the county will produce many more.

He said that, with Dorset Food and Drink championing local produce, he is hoping a Dorset business will win an award every week of the year.

He added: “The web of food, farmers, producers and Kingston Maurward College is significant and recently they took the opportunity to move Dorset Food and Drink into the college grounds.

“This type of association will become the pillars of the future and I’m sure they will go from strength to strength in the coming years and more groups will take advantage of this type of collaboration.”

Mr Amery said those involved felt it was the perfect time to launch the food business start-up course, which is aimed at food entrepreneurs of all ages looking to start up a business in the food industry and avoid some of the pitfalls many face along the way.

Those behind the course say that stark statistics on the success of start-ups show how necessary the tuition is.

Figures show that 90 per cent of start-ups fail. Some 50 per cent fail in the first five years but then survival in the first two years often means that the business is less likely to subsequently fail.

These cold statistics should not discourage entrepreneurs, rather encourage them to work smarter, organisers say.

The course carries four accreditations including one business qualification and students also have access to a private forum to enable professional discussion amongst graduates.

It is aimed at foodpreneurs of all ages who want to dodge becoming a statistic surrounding failed start-ups and carries four accreditations including one business qualification.

The accredited five day programme merges relevant business advice for aspiring owners with meaningful case studies and interviews from successful food businesses/ owners.

Students will also have private access to a forum to enable professional discussions amongst graduates.

For more information about the course visit white-pepper.

co.uk/event/food-business-startup-jan-2017