Lumo brings North East to Westminster with Taste of North

The Newcastle-based Lumo partnered with Sharon Hodgson MP, who represents Washington and Gateshead South, to host the special event in Westminster’s Jubilee Room, giving 20 North East food and drink producers a platform to present their goods to political and industry leaders.

Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West also supported the event, which coincided with weekly Prime Minister’s Questions, with MPs from across the country meeting with the small business owners presenting their products.

Chi Onwurah MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, and Sharon Hodgson MP, Member of Parliament for Washington and Gateshead South, were instrumental in organising the event (pictured left to right) (Image: Lumo)

Sharon Hodgson MP said: “This is a fantastic initiative which has proven to be very valuable for our many talented local businesses in the North East.

“It’s great to see a successful company like Lumo, who are based in Newcastle, promoting other local businesses.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting some amazing local people and, as a local MP, helping to promote the food and drink industry in our region.

Kate Osbourne MP, Member of Parliament for Jarrow and Gateshead East, pictured with Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, and special guests Geordie Bangers and Davenports Chocolates (Image: Lumo)

“Thank you to Lumo and everyone who attended.”

Among the businesses featured were Northumberland’s Ad Gefrin whisky and gin distillery, Doddington Dairy, Newcastle’s Geordie Bangers, Gateshead’s Davenports Chocolates, County Durham’s WL Distillery, and Northumberland Coffee.

Lumo’s head of customer experience, Rachel Firth, was on hand to talk with guests and offer advice about the operator’s selection process for onboard products.

Catherine McKinnell MP, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne North, chats to local food and drink producers (Image: Lumo)

Marka, a North East-based company specialising in sustainability accreditation, also attended to advise producers on securing sustainability accreditation.

Lumo has been rated “outstanding” for sustainability by Marka, the UK’s first standardised sustainability ratings organisation for food and beverage businesses.

A buying manager from Fenwick, the UK’s largest family-owned department store group, also met with producers during the event.

Lewis Atkinson MP, Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central, pictured with guests from local producers Northumberland Honey Company and Buston Crisps (Image: Lumo)

Richard Salkeld, director of communications and partnerships at Lumo, said: “We’re always proud to celebrate all that’s great about the places, people and produce from along our route so it’s fantastic to help promote such a superb range of North East England food and drink producers with this very special opportunity in Westminster.

“It’s an exciting time for Lumo as we prepare to launch a new route connecting Stirling and London along the West Coast Main Line, where we’ll be bringing our friendly North of England spirit to new destinations and championing more communities.”

The event was well-received by the producers, who saw it as a valuable opportunity to network and explore new business possibilities.

Chris Ferguson from Ad Gefrin said: “A huge thank you to Lumo for organising such a valuable day for us.

“This was a brilliant opportunity to bring some of our team along with partners who make the vibrant food and drink scene of the North East.

“We valued getting the chance to showcase what we do with MPs, buyers and other important stakeholders.”

Jane Williams, founder of Davenports Chocolates, said: “What a day.

“It’s been really exciting to enter Parliament to showcase our products.

“I’ve particularly enjoyed the valuable opportunity to network with my fellow North East producers, as well as the special guests who visited us.

“In fact, I’ve already arranged some interesting discussions about some potential new collaborations following conversations at the event.

“Watch this space.”

Lumo operates 100 per cent electric train services between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and London, and does not receive state funding.

The company will launch its new Stirling-to-London route in the coming weeks.