HECK! Food is a North Yorkshire-based food manufacturer, producing high-quality sausages and meat products for national retailers. As the business has grown, it has developed a strong reputation not only for its innovation and quality, but also for its commitment to supporting wider community and workforce agendas. As the business has grown, it has remained committed to sustainability, continually exploring ways to reduce its environmental impact.
Overview of Activity
Business North Yorkshire has developed a strong and ongoing relationship with HECK!, built on shared learning, and a mutual commitment to improving business and community outcomes across the region.
This relationship has extended beyond traditional business support. HECK! demonstrated its commitment to supporting the wider business community by readily agreeing to speak at the Business North Yorkshire Inclusive Employment Trailblazer Conference, contributing valuable real-world insight to other employers looking to develop more inclusive workplaces.
In addition, HECK! is actively involved in the Food for the Future North Yorkshire Framework for Action, a collaborative initiative across North Yorkshire facilitated by the Public Health team at North Yorkshire Council. This partnership brings together organisations from across the region to develop a healthier, more sustainable and resilient local food system.
Alongside this broader engagement, the business has also progressed its sustainability journey, working with Business North Yorkshire and their Y&NY Growth Hub partners to explore and implement renewable energy solutions. This led to a successful grant award to support the installation of a large-scale solar panel system at its production facility.
The Impact:
Through its engagement with Business North Yorkshire and wider partners, HECK! has not only strengthened its own operation, including making significant progress in energy efficiency and cost reduction, but has also played an active role in supporting wider regional priorities.
By working closely with Business North Yorkshire and openly sharing its experiences with other businesses, HECK! has helped to:
Champion inclusive employment practices, helping to shape more accessible and diverse workplaces locally
Inform local approaches to food, health, and sustainability, leading by example through initiatives such as investment in solar energy
Demonstrate how businesses can take a proactive leadership role in delivering regional economic and social priorities
The solar installation has delivered significant and measurable benefits for the business. In its first full year, the system generated 200 MWh of renewable energy which provided substantial energy cost savings, strengthening HECK!’s business resilience, sustainability credentials and reducing its carbon footprint.
Beyond the direct business benefits, this investment also contributes to wider environmental ambitions across North Yorkshire. By taking early action and investing at scale, HECK! is helping to lead by example, demonstrating how, with the right support, collaboration, and ambition, businesses can play a proactive role in reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and supporting the transition to a greener local economy.
Image source: Heck!
