Wednesday, 02 July 2025
A ground-breaking new social venture company has been launched by researchers at the 糖心原创 and the University of Bristol to help farmers sell surplus produce to community-based buyers – including food banks, social supermarkets and small food producers – across the UK.
The new company, , has now been incorporated and received £40,000 in seed funding from to accelerate its development. The initiative is the result of a long-standing academic collaboration between Dr Lucy McCarthy, Associate Professor at the University of Bristol Business School, and Anne Touboulic, Professor of Socio-Ecological Systems at Nottingham University Business School.
The project addresses a stark issue in the UK: each year, around seven per cent of food intended for consumption is wasted on farms, while millions face food insecurity. By connecting small- and medium-sized farmers with buyers who can make use of surplus or imperfect produce such as mis-sized vegetables or cosmetically damaged fruit – the Circular Agriculture Hub aims to reduce waste and redistribute food more equitably.
This venture is about challenging the status quo. The dominant food system is failing too many 鈥� especially small-scale farmers. Our collaborative research shows how new economic models can support sustainable practices while addressing food insecurity. Circular Agriculture Hub is a step towards that change.鈥�
The model is simple but powerful: farmers can list surplus produce on the Hub platform; community organisations and other buyers can express interest or make offers; and transactions are completed directly, with flexibility and negotiation at the core. Initially launching as a brokerage-style offline service, the platform will be developed into a digital tool, helping to scale operations and extend reach nationally – and, potentially, internationally.
Dr Lucy McCarthy, added: “We are thrilled to have launched Circular Agriculture Hub Ltd. This project brings together our research on sustainable food systems with the real-world needs of farmers and communities. By building new relationships between producers and buyers, we hope to shift how food is valued and distributed, supporting both people and planet.”
This new social venture reflects the universities’ shared commitment to research-led innovation, social and environmental impact, and long-term academic partnerships.
Professor David Park, Dean of Nottingham University Business School, said “I am delighted that this exciting spin-out business has not only launched but secured initial investment funding. My congratulations to all involved. This initiative aligns directly with our wider aspirations at Nottingham University Business School to collaborate with external partners and make an actual difference to key topics that affect us all including sustainability, societal impact, biodiversity and environmental justice.”
The company builds on foundational research and early support from , and has been nurtured by the University of Bristol’s , with integral support from .
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More information is available from Professor Anne Touboulic at Nottingham University Business School, via anne.touboulic@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.