An advisory centre for Scottish food and drink manufacturers was launched this week. Scottish Enterprise said the Charis Initiative ­ a research and development facility ­ would provide troubleshooting expertise and innovative advice on new product development for companies of all sizes. It was set up by the Hannah Research Institute and the Scottish Agricultural College, boosted by £1m funding from the Scottish Environment and Rural Affairs Department and £236,000 from Scottish Enterprise. Scottish Enterprise revealed the centre would be staffed by 37 full-time and 15 part-time HRI and SAC staff. Head of the Charis Initiative professor Donald Muir commented: "If you want help to solve problems with production or guidance in taking a food product from concept to production, that kind of resource has not been readily available in Scotland ­ until now." {{NEWS }}