Paprika Savour and Solve Event poster cropped

Savour & Solve

Sheffield’s vibrant food scene has always been one of the city’s strongest features. From local markets to independent eateries, Sheffield has a wealth of culinary diversity. Yet, in recent years, the challenges of rising costs, dwindling customer numbers, and staff shortages have put a strain on many food businesses. Rather than waiting for external help, local producers, brewers, and eateries are taking matters into their own hands. Enter Savour and Solve, an exciting new event organised by Paprika Placemakers and Hard Crafters Meetup, designed to address the issues facing Sheffield’s food industry head-on. 

Paprika Placemakers, the creator of the event, specialises in Place Management and creating community through food. An organisation that blends urban design, community building, and sustainability, unlike traditional food consultants who focus on hospitality or food manufacturing operations, Paprika uses food as a tool to unite communities, rejuvenate public spaces, and support economic regeneration. From helping local authorities animate town centres, to working with markets seeking to reconnect with their communities, Paprika tailors solutions to meet the unique needs of their clients. As members of the Institute of Place Management, their work is grounded in professionalism and integrity, offering practical, affordable strategies for long-term success. And as a partner of ShefFood, the food partnership for Sheffield, they are committed to helping make Sheffield’s food system a fairer, healthier and greener place.

Food, they believe, is the universal language of connection. It transcends boundaries of faith, race, and income, creating opportunities for connection, collaboration and growth. With expertise in markets, culture, and food sustainability, Paprika has positioned itself as a “critical friend” to organisations, offering fresh perspectives and actionable plans. Their work has helped redefine the role of food in urban spaces, highlighting its potential to drive both economic recovery and social impact.

At Savour and Solve, Paprika will apply this ethos to address Sheffield’s food business crisis head-on. Esther Morrison, co-founder of Paprika, explains the ideas behind the event:

Esther Morrison - Paprika Food Consultancy

“Food businesses in Sheffield are under immense pressure. Rising costs, staffing shortages, and reduced disposable income have created a perfect storm. Local producers, indie restaurants, and cafes can’t afford to wait for government solutions – the change has to come from within the community. This event is about giving everyone in the industry a platform to connect, share problems, and co-create practical solutions. Together, we can revitalise Sheffield’s food scene and make it a destination to satisfy every palate.”

The event is not a typical industry conference. There won’t be long lectures or unrelatable advice from distant experts. Instead, Savour and Solve is designed to be a collaborative, real, people-driven workshop. Attendees will use the SLIDO app to share their biggest challenges without having to take to the floor, making sure that every voice is included. From there, groups will brainstorm actionable solutions to issues such as rising food costs and declining customer numbers. The goal is to leave participants with tangible strategies and new partnerships to tackle the road ahead.

In addition to the workshops, the main dish of the event, local food and drink producers will showcase their products; a chance to gain fresh inspiration for menus and collaborations. Paprika hopes that by the end of the day, every attendee will feel part of a supportive “food family” and leave with at least one new business connection to help them thrive.

The event is scheduled for Monday, 10 February 2025, at The Steamworks from 10 am to 3 pm. The venue is a fitting choice for such an event. Located on Randall Street, near Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane stadium, this former industrial factory is now a collaborative event space. It’s a place that reflects Sheffield’s identity – a city that knows how to adapt, reimagine, and build a future rooted in its unique heritage.

By empowering the food community to take charge of its destiny, Paprika Food Consultancy is setting a precedent not just for Sheffield but for other cities grappling with similar challenges.

If you’re a food or drink business owner or an independent eatery, this is your chance to have agency in a world with so many things beyond your control. Join Savour and Solve on 10 February and take the first step towards shaping a stronger, more resilient future for Sheffield’s food scene.

For more information, contact Esther Morrison at 07725 857040 or Simon Walton at Almond Bank Communications on 07540 313018. You can also sign up via Eventbrite – Search for Savour and Solve in Sheffield.