McCain Foods Calls for Policy Support to Unlock Hospitality Entrepreneurship in the UK
McCain Foods GB has released its inaugural Streets Ahead Impact Report, revealing that financial constraints and a lack of mentorship are hindering a new wave of UK hospitality entrepreneurs. The UK’s largest frozen potato product manufacturer is calling on the government to address systemic barriers stalling progress in the sector.
According to the report, developed in partnership with McCain’s foodservice division, one in three UK hospitality workers are considering launching their own businesses. However, 62% cite limited access to funding and 37% identify a lack of training and mentorship as the main obstacles to entrepreneurship.
The Streets Ahead report also underscores the sector’s broader social and economic importance. Nearly half of UK residents believe more support is required to attract and retain talent in hospitality. Over 70% view the sector as essential to the UK economy, while nearly 90% affirm its role in shaping the country’s cultural fabric.
In response, McCain is urging the government to implement policy changes across three key areas:
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Recognising independent food businesses in the Assessment for Future Skills and increasing support for underrepresented entrepreneurs;
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Making levy-funded training more accessible and flexible, particularly for foodservice roles and initiatives like the Hospitality Skills Passport;
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Integrating hospitality upskilling into the national post-16 education strategy.
“At McCain, we know there’s incredible untapped potential among aspiring food entrepreneurs who are facing barriers like limited funding and lack of mentorship,” said Richard Jones, Vice President Commercial at McCain Foods GB. “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.”
Launched in 2021 and powered by social enterprise KERB+, Streets Ahead offers practical support to individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds—including refugees, prison leavers, unemployed youth, and those experiencing homelessness. The programme provides hands-on training, financial support, and expert mentorship to help participants launch sustainable street food businesses.
To date, the initiative has supported more than 185 aspiring entrepreneurs via 40+ partner charities and has invested over £240,000 in early-stage ventures. Applications for the next cohort are now open.
One success story is Hind Danoun, owner of Utopia, who said the programme transformed her ability to succeed in hospitality. “When I first joined, I didn’t know much about how to run a street food venture. However, with the in-depth training and the £10,000 investment I received, Utopia is now a vibrant place where I share my culture and bring people together through food,” she said.
The Streets Ahead Impact Report highlights both the potential and urgency of fostering a more inclusive and accessible path into hospitality entrepreneurship—one that McCain argues must be met with decisive public policy support.
