Appetizing Innovation, a new initiative funded by Yorkshire Forward, is offering businesses one-to-one packaging surgeries with a team of experts to help them develop innovation strategies to increase sales and boost employment.

Following the confidential no obligation surgery, substantial subsidies and funding support will be made available to help with costs and minimise risk for companies which wish to implement an innovation project.

Packaging consultancy Design Futures will deliver the surgeries. Its commercial director Gail Wyman explained, 'The surgeries provide an opportunity for all managers with a remit for brand, packaging and processing activities to meet with a panel of highly qualified packaging professionals to investigate opportunities for packaging improvements to support commercial growth'.

She added, 'Following a comprehensive, in-depth initial assessment...participants will meet the panel to explore relevant innovation and development opportunities specific to their business'.

During the two-hour surgery practical advice will be given to stimulate the innovation process. This will be followed up by a written report to show how the ideas can be implemented. The surgeries are available to all companies, and the subsidised cost for firms in the Yorkshire and Humber region is £295 for up to four delegates to attend one surgery.

Three dates are available: 19 February, 12 and 26 March. For further details and to book, contact Gail Wyman, tel: +44 (0)114 225 6767.