Food & Drink Awards: Meet the Suffolk and Cambs sponsors

We couldn’t run the Velvet Food & Drink Awards - kept free to both enter and attend, making them truly open to all - without the support of our sponsors. Here’s to the people who make it happen. . .

HEADLINE SPONSORS

Cambridgeshire: TR Global Events: A multi-award-winning full-service events management company based in Cambridgeshire, TR Global is proud of its innovative and comprehensive range of services. From corporate conferences and trade shows to product launches and exhibitions, the company is committed to providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each event. tr-globalevents.com

Suffolk: Thomas Ridley Foodservice: Known for its exceptional, personal service and commitment to quality, Thomas Ridley is your local, independent foodservice supplier, supporting a large mix of hospitality, education and healthcare customers. Based near Bury St Edmunds, it’s part of the Caterfood Buying Group and provides both exclusive products and great prices. thomasridley.co.uk

SPONSORS

Kale & Damson: Starting their wholesale business nearly 30 years ago, from there the founders of Kale & Damson have built up a trusted reputation for exceptional quality and inspirational ranges of produce. This is backed by a team of people who combine passion with a deep understanding of ‘farm-to-fork’, all with a down-to-earth manner and honest way of doing business. kaleanddamson.co.uk

Howes Percival: The experienced food and beverage lawyers at Howes Percival work closely with clients at all stages of the production, manufacture, packaging, distribution, and retail process. Widely recognised for their expertise in advising clients on the European Protected Food Names schemes, they acted in the successful application for Protected Geographical Indication status for the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. howespercival.com

Cambridge Food & Drink Week: Delivered by Cambridge BID: A vibrant celebration of the city’s thriving hospitality scene, Cambridge Food and Drink Week runs from June 28 to July 11. Delivered by Cambridge BID to showcase the very best in local food and drink, the week features a programme of events, offers and lots more, all designed to “connect people with the tastes, talent and stories that define our city”. cambridgebid.co.uk

Visit Cambridge: Visit Cambridge promotes Cambridge, its businesses, events and uniqueness locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Managed by Cambridge BID, it delivers the Visit Cambridge website, offering businesses in the area the opportunity to list their business and events for free, and manages the Visit Cambridge social media channels. visitcambridge.org

Gavin Human: Cambridge Estate Agent: Having been an estate agent for more than 30 years, Gavin Human is on hand to share his knowledge and experience with you. If you are selling, he will help you find the best buyer at the highest possible price; if you are buying, he acts as your buying agent to find you your dream home and negotiate the lowest price on your behalf. gavinhuman.co.uk

Wood St Coffee: An independent specialty coffee roastery in Saffron Walden, Wood St takes pride in producing really good coffee. Ethically sourced through importers working directly with farmers, it’s roasted with care in small batches to bring out the best from each process, varietal and region. Also providing tools, knowledge and training to brew each coffee to its full potential, they deliver to wholesale partners in person each week. woodstcoffee.co.uk

Grand Arcade: Let’s Go Circular: Known for its strong community focus, Cambridge’s award-winning Grand Arcade organises a wide range of events and campaigns throughout the year. A standout is Let’s Go Circular, launched in 2022 as the UK’s first shopping-centre campaign dedicated to promoting the circular economy. The campaign highlights innovative ways to reduce waste, reuse resources and regenerate natural systems, engaging visitors with over 80 interactive activations to date. grandarcade.co.uk

John Lewis & Partners Cambridge: John Lewis & Partners Cambridge is a modern department store with deep local roots. Formerly Robert Sayle, a beloved retailer serving Cambridge since the 19th century, the store reopened as John Lewis in 2007 and continues to be a trusted destination for quality, style and service. Proudly embedded in the local community, it actively supports local charities, events and initiatives - like these awards. johnlewis.com

Childerley Cambridge: A relaxed, quietly beautiful, bespoke family-run location just 15 minutes west of historic Cambridge, Childerley Long Barn is ideal for those looking for a venue celebrating individuality. Host for the Cambridge Food & Drink Awards ceremony, Childerley’s barn and gardens provide a fabulous informal setting for celebrations, with a capacity from 30 to 280 guests. childerley.org

TREATT PLC: Treatt PLC is a leading independent ingredients manufacturer and solutions provider to the global flavour, fragrance and consumer goods markets. With bases in the UK, the US and China, the brand has been making the world taste better since its foundation in 1886. Treatt PLC’s headquarters have been based in Bury St Edmunds for nearly 50 years. treatt.com

Martin & Co: Martin & Co specialises in residential lettings, sales and property management. As a landlord himself, director John Rushman has first-hand knowledge of the needs of landlords and tenants alike, and provides expert and professional advice on all property matters. Alongside his highly driven and dedicated team, he ensures you receive a tailor-made service to suit your individual needs. martinco.com/property

Ernies Outdoor Living: Delivering unique and competitively priced lifestyle products since the 1990s, Ernies’ new Bury St Edmunds showroom spans two expansive levels. Showcasing a curated selection of high-quality pieces, from seating and pergolas to barbecues and pizza ovens, all are manufactured to the very highest standards and combine innovative designs with responsibly sourced materials. ernies.co.uk

Haughley Park: Set in the heart of a picturesque country estate, Haughley Park Barn offers an impressive yet relaxed setting where you can celebrate your wedding or event, your way. The lovingly restored Grade II listed barn is approached by a long sweeping driveway through parkland and provides instant charm in a beautiful private location. It’s the venue for the Suffolk Food & Drink Awards ceremony. haughleypark.co.uk