44. Evaluation of new laboratory to support R&D capital’s food and drink sector.

The West London Food Innovation Lab project provided food and beverage SME businesses with direct access to scientific expertise and facilities to develop culinary ideas and products that are tested and developed to quality standards ready for the commercial market. The rationale for the Food Innovation Lab was to enhance London’s competitiveness in the food and beverage sector.  With such a major investment in new facilities and associated support, the University of West London (the delivery partner) was keen to evaluate how successful the project had been.  Additionally, EU funding necessitates robust evaluations.  The study gave an independent and objective assessment of the Food Innovation Lab project’s performance, benefits and impact.  The investment leaves an asset that will provide payback for many years to come.

Kada Research conducted the independent evaluation of our Food Innovation Lab ERDF project. They were both professional and friendly, which is always a winning combination. They have an excellent understanding of project evaluations and funders’ requirements, pay attention to the smallest of details, and produce reports of excellent quality, on time. Their impact model helped us realise not only the current impact of our project but also gave us a well-grounded estimate for its impact in the next five years.

-Prof Alexandros Paraskevas (Academic Lead, West London Food Innovation Lab).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about an evaluation of a project or programme you are involved with to assess its impact, e-mail karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and he will respond within 24 hours.