Yorkshire Hemp Supply Chain Project

This project is to map the end-to-end supply chain associated with the growing and production of hemp and hemp products in the Yorkshire region, bringing together relevant organisations and identifying gaps. We are seeking to engage supply chain expertise to deliver this project, providing specialist insight to inform decisions regarding opportunities to develop the processing of hemp in the Yorkshire region.

Yorkshire already hosts many suppliers, growers, producers and academics associated with the Hemp Supply Chain - arguably, the most sophisticated in the country. Therefore, the key opportunity is the coordination of a Yorkshire based supply chain, ready to produce farm to finished product 'Made In Yorkshire'.

The successful delivery of this project will: a) Map out the Hemp production supply chain (farm to finished product) b) Gather intelligence on current supplier requirements to support, in the development of our regional SME's with an ambition to grow c) Inform on the opportunities to further develop the supply chain associated with hemp production in the region and therefore support any further projects and funding bids. Note: It is anticipated that central Government may make additional funding available for regional development and as such, the LEP are working on the expectation that there may be an opportunity to bid for further funds soon. Beyond the imminent expectation of government funding, we anticipate that this project will identify specific opportunities for our regional SME community as well as for investment, be it public or private, beyond early 2021.

Key Project Objectives: To gain a detailed understanding of: • The current supply chain associated with the growing of hemp and production of hemp based products in the Yorkshire region. An end-to-end supply chain mapping exercise is required. o Detail current organisations/businesses associated with the primary supply chain bringing together relevant organisations. o Detail the relationships between the primary suppliers and customers (up and down the supply chain) o Quantify existing capacities o Detail all channels or vertical sectors (e.g. Construction, Textiles etc.) • What are the opportunities to make the current supply chain more effective and resilient perhaps by improved use of local SMEs as suppliers? o What are the gaps in the supply chain currently (where are services being carried out outside the region)? o Explore opportunities for improvements in the supply chain process (i.e. where is the centre of gravity? Can local suppliers be used to reduce road miles? e.g. suppliers of packaging, transport etc.) • Where are the opportunities for future improvements to the Yorkshire supply chain? o New technologies o Improved visibility (i.e. control tower approach, digital techniques) o Investment o Skills o Environmental policy

If you are interested in this opportunity responses should be sent to Ben Wright via email [email protected]