Photo: Ms Truss enjoys a tour of the ice cream factory with Havant MP Alan Mak and Northney's Managing Director Tim Pike
Local food producer Northney Ice Cream has received a major boost of support from Cabinet Minister Liz Truss. Visiting the dairy business on Hayling Island on Friday 22 January 2016, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs sampled the famous ice cream produced by Northney Farm’s pedigree Ayrshire cow herd.
Alongside local MP Alan Mak, who invited Truss, and Northney’s Managing Director Tim Pike, Ms Truss was treated to a tour of the farm and its popular tea rooms, where she took part in a discussion with local councillors and business and community representatives.
Truss said, “I want to encourage everyone to buy local British brands like Northney Ice Cream. They really are the best of British. I’ve had a fantastic visit with Tim Pike and local MP Alan Mak to see the ice cream being made. The Government’s new Great British Food Unit will help businesses like Northney Ice Cream continue on the road to success.”
The Great British Food Unit, a new government unit led by her Department, was recently unveiled by Ms Truss to strengthen the UK’s food and drink export market. For the first time ever, specialists from across multiple government departments will be brought together to lend their advice and expertise to British businesses trying to sell their produce abroad.
Following her visit to the farm, Truss added “Local MP Alan Mak is a strong champion in Parliament of coastal and rural communities such as Hayling Island. Coastal management, flooding, environmental protection, and the quality of life of rural communities are all important issues which Alan and local councillors are working hard on.”
Alan Mak MP said, “Backing local businesses and speaking up for communities like Hayling are my top local priorities. I am delighted to secure Cabinet Minister Liz Truss, who has seen how special Northney Ice Cream and Hayling Island are for herself. I’ll continue to be a strong voice for the whole constituency in Parliament.”
Mak added, “Local food brands like Northney Ice Cream reflect our region’s business excellence. I urge local residents to buy local and to buy British. We can all be proud of our local farmers and food producers. I congratulate Tim and Northney Ice Cream for catching the eye of Cab Minister Liz Truss.”
Northney’s Managing Director Tim Pike said “Today’s visit by Cabinet Minister Liz Truss was a great success, and I’m grateful to our local MP Alan Mak for his hard work, over many months, to secure her visit to Hayling Island. Northney Ice Cream is produced using local ingredients by local workers and is popular across the Solent region. Having Alan and Liz show their support is a big accolade for us.”