An innovative business in the sector, Fairman Knight and Sons UK upcycles organic food waste using bioconversion into Black Soldier Fly larvae, which are dried and used as sustainable feed for pets, animals, and aquaculture. The waste from production is also used as a high-quality fertiliser.

Since moving into the innovation space at the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone (SLFEZ) in 2024, Fairman Knight have gone from strength to strength. With support from stakeholders at the SLFEZ, including Lincolnshire County Council and the UK Food Valley team, the company has exponentially expanded.

With such a strong food and manufacturing base in South Lincolnshire, the business has decided to remain in the area – investing in a site at Holbeach to continue expanding its operations in the heart of the UK Food Valley.

Cllr Liam Kelly, executive councillor for Growth at the county council, said: “While on the surface it’s sad to see such a bold and innovative business leave The Hub, it’s a real positive for Lincolnshire and the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone.

“Fairman Knight’s growth over the last year shows how the SLFEZ is leading the way nationally in supporting innovation and growth in the sector.

“And that they have chosen to continue their operations in Lincolnshire speaks to our strong position as a national centre of excellence for everything to do with food.

“Now, with another success story moving into new office and commercial production premises, we are looking forward to welcoming the next ambitious tenant into The Hub and wish Fairman Knight all the best going forward.

Julian Knight, co-founder of Fairman Knight and Sons UK, said:

“Fairman Knight have been a tenant at the Hub since Autumn 2024. We have been thrilled to have been part of the Food Enterprise Zone and its community.

“Over the year we have received an enormous amount of support from the wide range of stakeholders that comprise the SLFEZ and would not have been able to grow to become the UK’s leading commercial scale surplus waste upcycler by bioconversion using BSFL, without this.

“We have had the pleasure to participate in a wide range of county council backed events and had regular meetings with the new Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority. We have also benefited from Innovate UK, Grants4Gowth, UKSPF and MadeSmarter Grants programs.

“We are moving to our new 120,000 sq ft production site nearby at the Holbeach Technology Park in Holbeach Fleet and wish all of our friends the best of luck at The Hub and within the SLFEZ.”

Find out more about opportunities at the Hub at: www.southlincolnshirefez.co.uk/hub