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I am delighted to welcome you to this special edition of TALK, where we shine a well-deserved spotlight on the food and drink industry—a sector that is not only close to our hearts here at STEP, but a vital pillar of the local economy.
Stirling’s food and drink scene is flourishing, driven by passionate people who combine creativity with an entrepreneurial spirit. From independent bakers and chocolatiers to brewers, distillers and fine dining experiences, we’re seeing a real movement—one that puts local produce, sustainable practices and community at the centre of the economy. At STEP, we’re incredibly proud to support these businesses through tailored advice, purpose-built facilities and initiatives that bring people and ideas together.
This edition reflects just how vibrant and fast-evolving the landscape is. On page 4 we explore the rise in demand for kitchen space and food manufacturing, as more producers seek out scalable, flexible environments to grow. Page 6 tackles one of the biggest challenges in hospitality today: attracting and retaining talent. It’s a fiercely competitive market and this feature offers valuable strategies for staying ahead.
We also take time to celebrate our annual Food, Drink and Tourism Month, which was a resounding success and you can relive some of the best moments on page 10. Ever wondered what it’s like to support this sector every day? Turn to page 12 for A Day in the Life of a Food, Drink and Tourism Adviser—a great reminder of the real people behind our programmes.
We’re particularly excited to introduce you to some of our food and drink based tenants (page 14-26). Their stories, skills and successes show why our food and drink scene is worth shouting about.
Best wishes,
David Miller, Managing Director, STEP
