Businesses and Enterprises - Food

Food and drink are a vital part of our residents’ employment, environment, health and cultural lives. We are working to meet the sector’s business and skills gaps, support access to good jobs in food, and support a diverse, thriving and sustainable local food sector.

A key priority is improving the food offer in Barking town centre. We have increased the number of food stalls in Barking market and supported a new street food hub and community kitchen at Factory 15 on Linton Road in Barking town centre.

And we are working on longer plans for a new food hall in Barking town centre – providing space for local food entrepreneurs and great tasting food that celebrates the diversity of food cultures in the borough.

Business Support

Whether you are a marker trader or retailer, café or caterer, we want to help you to develop your customer base. Our research with over 500 residents revealed that most would like better access to healthy and sustainable food.

Programmes

Amplify

The Business Forum is our platform to engage with local businesses about the priorities, opportunities and developments in Barking and Dagenham.

Good Food Retail project

Our Good Food Retail project helped 40 convenience stores meet the demand for more fresh, healthy and sustainable produce.

To read more about this project, visit our News page.

Grant award

Until February 2025, we are awarding small grants of up to £3,000 to local food businesses. Your application must explain how the grant will support you to make changes in at least one part of the Charter. Applications are on a rolling basis. You can express your interest and find out if you are eligible by filling in this form.

Food Enterprise Network and Good Food Enterprise Charter

We’re supporting food businesses to provide healthy, climate-friendly food and reduce their waste. Read about the changes that will support the sustainability of your business, customers and the planet; check out our Good Food Enterprise Charter to support you to take action; and find out about how you can join the Food Enterprise Network that promotes businesses leading the way.

More information

To find out more about our Good Food Enterprise programme and support, contact us on goodfood@lbbd.gov.uk.

You can also add your business to the Council’s Business Forum directory to receive regular updates about the support and opportunities for local businesses in the borough.