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McCain has launched its first impact report for the McCain Streets Ahead Programme, powered by KERB – an initiative dedicated to supporting aspiring food entrepreneurs and strengthening the UK hospitality sector.

With 70% of the UK public agreeing that hospitality is essential to the economy and 89% recognising its role in shaping culture and communities,1 the industry remains a cornerstone of British life. However, challenges persist, with nearly half (48%) believing more needs to be done to attract and retain talent in the sector.1 The Streets Ahead Programme addresses these challenges head-on by providing aspiring business owners with hands-on training, financial investment, and expert mentorship, equipping them with the tools to launch and sustain successful street food businesses.

Programme impact so far:

• ·       £241,000 in kick start investment to 32 street food entrepreneurs.
• ·     185 individuals with access to classroom to gain practical skills in food business operations, branding, and financial management.
• ·       Referrals from over 40 UK charities, including The King’s Trust and The Entrepreneurial Refugee Network (TERN).
• Support for disadvantaged groups, including refugees, ex-offenders, and individuals facing unemployment or homelessness.
• 17 refugee participants gaining financial independence through street food ventures.
• 18 young entrepreneurs given a pathway into foodservice, tackling youth unemployment (currently at 12.6% for 16-24-year-olds)2.
• 103 prison leavers connected to a programme that support them in launching street food businesses, reducing reoffending risks.

Richard Jones, Vice President Commercial, McCain Foods GB comments: “At McCain, we know there’s incredible untapped potential, particularly among aspiring food entrepreneurs who are facing barriers like limited funding and lack of mentorship. The Streets Ahead programme is our way of helping to address this, giving people the tools, investment, and support they need to turn their passion into a successful business, and, in turn, help strengthen the entire sector.”

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality said: “Hospitality is the most socially productive sector in the UK: providing career opportunities for all, regenerating communities equitably across the UK and producing some of the most innovative entrepreneurs in the country. The McCain Streets Ahead programme is a brilliant example of how hospitality invests in and supports the next generation of talent to break down barriers and succeed in their careers, to the benefit of our economy, culture and communities.”

Real Stories, Real Impact

The UK street food scene is booming, growing from 2,000 vendors in 2018 to 7,000 in 2023. With 50% of UK consumers purchasing street food weekly and 64% willing to pay more for high-quality options,4 now is the time to invest in emerging food entrepreneurs.

Participants of the Streets Ahead programme have already seen remarkable success:

• Hind (Utopia) – A refugee from Syria, Hind transformed her passion for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine into a thriving street food business, securing £10,000 in investment. She now serves customers at multiple KERB markets across London.
• Eli (El’s Tacos) – A young entrepreneur from Liverpool, Eli launched an eco-conscious taco business and received £6,000 to refurbish her food truck. She’s now preparing to trade at key food hubs in the North West.
• Levi (LeVibes) – Overcoming homelessness, Levi joined the programme with a vision of bringing Lebanese street food to the UK. With an £8,000 investment, he is currently laying the foundation for his business while working in the hospitality sector.