Asda has reaffirmed its commitment to grow and develop its relationship with the local food and drink industry, having held a number of meetings with potential new suppliers from the Co. Armagh area in advance of its new store opening in Portadown on 19th November.

At its ‘Meet the Buyer’ event on Thursday 8th November, members of the Asda local sourcing team held face-to face meetings with six local businesses to further the supermarket’s search for more local lines to satisfy growing customer demand.

Currently Asda NI works with around 100 individual suppliers from the island of Ireland, including over 30 businesses from the Co. Armagh area.

David Quigg, Local Buyer for Northern Ireland and Scotland said, “Co. Armagh has already proved a key region for our supply base, with local companies including Irwin’s Bakery, Tayto, Avondale Foods, Gilfresh Produce, Linwoods and William Sprott Ltd. all having forged strong links with Asda since we arrived in 2005.”

“In our NI stores approximately £1 in every £5 that the customer spends is on products sourced from the island of Ireland. Through our Asda Portadown ‘Meet the Buyer’ event and other outreach activity, we are now looking to grow this representation.”

David continued, “In particular, we are interested in meeting smaller operators who may not have the capacity to supply all of our stores here, as Asda can facilitate those who may wish to start off supplying just a small group or even one store. The event was a great way to further our ambitions in this area and we were very encouraged by the drive, professionalism and high quality products showcased at this recent event.”

Earlier this year, Asda celebrated the completion of its inaugural Asda Supplier Development Academy – an intense four-month programme with eleven key local aimed at boosting the suppliers’ potential, resulting in a predicted £3million growth in their sales over the next 18 months.

(Pictured with David Quigg and Susanna Lloyd from Asda’s local buying team is Catherine McAlynn from Mackle Snacks (R))

BANK OF IRELAND UK UNVEILS PROGRAMME FOR ENTERPRISE WEEK
16th – 23rd November 2012
Actively supporting agri businesses in Northern Ireland – over £25m already committed through Agri Investment Fund

Bank of Ireland UK, on Wednesday 7th November 2012, launched Enterprise Week in Northern Ireland with the announcement that it has committed over half of its dedicated £50m Agri Fund which launched just over 12 months ago.

The popular week long Enterprise Week initiative will take place from Friday 16th November – Friday 23rd November 2012 and will focus on the agri-business sector.

Since launching the Agri Investment Fund in Northern Ireland in 2011, the bank has approved more than £25m in funding to help customers expand their agri businesses through the purchase of farmland and livestock and providing customers with working capital.

‘Feeding Growth – Backing NI Agri Business’ will be the theme of the week long programme of seminars and showcasing opportunities for business owners. Show Your Business events, which have proved particularly popular in past Enterprise Weeks, will be run across the bank’s branch network, enabling local businesses to put their products or services on show.

A flagship seminar on developing Northern Ireland’s agri-related business, with a particular focus on the Agri-Food sector, will be held at Ravenhill, the home of Ulster Rugby. The bank’s University Road branch in Belfast will host two seminars for business start-ups on Thursday 22nd November on developing business plans, software for managing finances, VAT and Corporation Tax.
The bank will also host an event at CAFRE, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise on Friday 23rd November with local MEP Jim Nicholson as main speaker, while on Wednesday 21st November the bank, in partnership with Omagh District Council, will host ‘Financing Business in Growth’ looking at global markets, imports and exports.

Sean Sheehan, Bank of Ireland UK’s Regional Manager for Northern Ireland, said: “We have a packed programme for our sixth Enterprise Week. This time we have a particular emphasis on the agriculture sector which, through the downturn, has maintained and even increased its contribution to the local economy despite the difficulties it faces. We believe the sector has strong potential and we are determined to provide the support it needs to grow.

“Speakers at our Ravenhill seminar will include Michael Bell, Executive Director of Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association who will look at growth opportunities within the agri-food sector. Owen Brennan, Chairman of Devenish Nutrition, will offer his strategic view of the agri-sector and give the audience a brief overview of the company’s success, looking at challenges it has faced and overcome and his plans for the future of the business.”

Sean added: “Enterprise Week is just one of the initiatives we are taking to support local business through challenging times.  Earlier this year at Stormont we launched an export initiative under which a dedicated team of finance experts is helping local exporting companies manage the unique financial challenges of selling overseas.

“Since January 2012, Bank of Ireland UK has approved nearly 90% of credit applications. Our Essentials for Business package for new and existing small businesses has attracted more than 6,000 new accounts since 2008 and in the last year some 60% of those related to completely new start-ups, indicating the continuing spirit of enterprise that exists in Northern Ireland.”

Belfast-based Devenish Nutrition manufactures nutritional solutions for livestock producers and as well as serving the local market, it supplies more than 45 countries worldwide. Owen Brennan, Chairman, said at the launch of Enterprise Week: “I welcome Bank of Ireland UK’s commitment to providing practical help as well as finance to support the development of local companies.  Bank of Ireland UK has played a crucial role in our own success by understanding our business and our needs, particularly in relation to exports.  We have developed a strong and productive partnership in recent years which continues to help us grow in the global market.”

Enterprise Week is open to both customers and non-customers and is part of the bank’s commitment to actively support private sector growth in Northern Ireland.

For the most up to date information on events taking place across Northern Ireland during Enterprise Week log on to www.bankofireland.co.uk/enterprise or contact your local Bank of Ireland UK branch.

Heavenly Tasty Organics, the Omagh-based manufacturer of organic baby weaning meals, will represent Northern Ireland at next month’s final of The Pitch competition to find the UK’s best small business.

The Tyrone company won the Northern Ireland heat, which was held last week in Liverpool as part of the regional event, and will now go forward to the UK Final in London on 16th November.

Shauna McCarney was successful against eight other small businesses from the Northern Ireland heat. Around 80 companies entered the UK event.

Invest Northern Ireland’s NI Business Info and Women in Business Northern Ireland are among The Pitch’s local partners. The competition is sponsored by digital business hibu and the Crunch and ICAEW accountancy organisations. Other partners include Dell and Scottish Enterprise.

Shauna McCarney, who formed Heavenly Tasty Organics in 2008 to offer young mums 100 per cent natural baby weaning products, said: “Winning the Northern Ireland heat in this important UK competition is a marvellous endorsement of my business and will help me immensely to raise the company’s profile particularly in Britain.

“We already have a strong base in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland especially with retailers such as Musgrave and SuperValu.

“Success in The Pitch will help me to develop sales from inquiries I’ve already received from potential customers in Great Britain seeking ‘free-from’ meal options for babies. My objective is to be selling my products in Britain within the next 12 months.”

Heavenly Tasty Organics has already won an impressive cluster of major awards for enterprise, innovation and quality from organisations including the Soil Association, the leading body for organic products, Women in Business in Northern Ireland and Maternity magazine in the Republic of Ireland.

The Pitch was launched in 2008 as part of the Bristol Design Festival and has since grown to a UK-wide competition for smaller businesses. The event enables owners of local start-ups and small companies to pitch their business to a panel of successful entrepreneurs.

The company which wins the national final next month will receive a range of prizes including mentoring and consultancy support.

Since winning the Taste of Northern Ireland Award at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, the Dundrum Inn has had its status as a foodie hot spot confirmed. This award has highlighted an establishment which has created a customer friendly eating experience, using local suppliers and ingredients which reflect the high quality of the local food industry.

Now they are set to further profile the amazing products which can be found in their local area with “A Taste of County Down Evening” on Thursday 22nd November.

Head Chef Paul Cunningham has prepared a special six course menu designed to show off the best produce which can be found around the Dundrum area, from Dundrum Mussels to Murlough View free range eggs.

Since taking up his position over a year ago, Paul has devoted his time to adequately using suppliers in the County Down area. Every season he creates a new menu so that his customers can sample seasonal produce at its best, served up in a creative and innovative way.

Paul has lived and worked in Dundrum all of his life and he is fully committed to getting the best from his suppliers and creating dishes which will challenge and inspire his customers.

Paul Cunningham, Head Chef, the Dundrum Inn said;

“Consistency in standards is of the uppermost importance and that is why we always source what we can locally. Our fish come from Kilkeel harbour, the herbs are grown in my own back garden and the beef is 100% Northern Irish, 28 day matured. This taster evening is going to help our customers find out a bit more about what goes into making the local produce so good.”

Local suppliers will be speaking at the evening and a wine tasting from James Nicholson Wines will take place. Entertainment will be provided by a talented musician from the local area.

The evening will cost £40 per person, including wine, and you can reserve your spot by getting in touch on 028 4375 1211. Tables will be available to book for 7pm, 7.30pm and 8pm. Bookings must be made by Monday 19th November.

For further information please contact:
Amanda Ferguson
Owner, Dundrum Inn
Landline: 028 43 751 211            Mobile: 07767 443 039

Food company, Moy Park has secured a contract with Tesco to launch nine Moy Park branded products in Northern Ireland stores from October.

The range of products, which uses only locally sourced poultry, comprises a selection of fresh breaded, corn fed and ready to cook products, including a Moy Park Chicken & Bacon Mushroom casserole and Moy Park Stuffed Chicken Thighs.

Paul Burch, Moy Park Accounts Director Ireland said:

“We are delighted to take on this new business with Tesco. Not only is this a seal of approval for the quality and taste of our products but also further strengthens our partnership with Tesco.

“The Moy Park brand has been trusted by Northern Ireland consumers since 1943. We are always looking at ways to innovate and grow in line with consumer trends and across Northern Ireland there is a strong preference for locally sourced produce. We also recognise that consumers are demanding healthy food that is quick to cook, which is why we have developed both fresh and convenience products under the Moy Park brand. These chicken products reflect our on-going focus on new product development and will provide consumers with a variety of new tasty options for the whole family.”

Sandra Weir, Fresh Food Buying Manager, Tesco NI, said:

“This is an important development for Tesco here as chicken is a key item on most weekly shopping lists. Our recent research has shown that, next to price, buying local is a priority for shoppers. Through our Taste Northern Ireland campaign, we are encouraging our customers to get to know the people and places behind their favourite local food and drink products. We are really delighted to be able to add Moy Park to the list of trusted local names customers will now see in their Tesco store.”

The new Moy Park branded product range will be stocked in Tesco stores across Northern Ireland from October 2012.

For more information and to view Moy Park’s full range of products please visit www.moypark.com
For more information on Tesco Taste NI visit www.tasteni.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This has to be one of the best views from a restaurant anywhere in the world,” global star says of the view from Bureau By The Lough in Whiteabbey.

Whiteabbey bar-restaurant Bureau By The Lough, which has just won no less than 3 coveted categories (Best Regional Pub, Best Food Pub and Most Innovative Pub) in the regional Pubs of Ulster Awards, is set for record wine sales with the addition of a new ‘star’ product to its shelves – and a visit by major Hollywood ‘star’ Sam Neill to launch it!

‘Two Paddocks’ is the acclaimed wine range produced by the Omagh-born star of box office hits such as Jurassic Park and The Piano as well as expected 2013 blockbuster Mariah Mundi & The Midas Box, at his artisan winery in New Zealand’s Central Otago region.

Bureau By The Lough is the first bar-restaurant in Ireland to list the wine and its sister business, The Light House Wine Store, one of the first off-licences to retail it. And in a major coup for the Whiteabbey businesses, Sam Neill flew in (18th October) to launch the wines personally at a special tasting lunch atBureau By The Lough.  Among the wines sampled was his Two Paddocks Pinot Noir 2010, also an award-winner this week, when it picked up outstanding gold medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition!

Addressing the ‘full house’ of wine enthusiasts and film buffs alike, Sam Neill said that he was delighted to launch his own wines on ‘home turf’ and, in a statement guaranteed to put Bureau By The Lough and Whiteabbey on the world map, said that “The view from Bureau By The Lough’s restaurant window has to be among the best in the world!”

Owner Damien Curran said: “It’s a proud milestone for Sam Neill to come back to launch his wines into his ‘home’ market and we are equally proud to be selected as the very first stop in his whirlwind Ireland tour. Essentially he has poured the very first drop of his own wine on ‘home’ soil here with us atBureau By The Lough in Whiteabbey, and to hear him say how much he has enjoyed his visit and that he rates our view as among the best in the world is quite an endorsement!”

“As a business, listing Two Paddocks is about tapping directly in to what our customers want. As an independent off-licence, it’s difficult to compete with the multiples’ promotional tactics. So, alongside trying to break down the myth that supermarkets are always cheaper, our strategy is to capitalise on our independence to source diverse, interesting, quality-led wines at great prices.  Sam Neill’s award-winning wines fit that profile exactly.  Customers have been hugely excited about their arrival and we expect them to drive sales in both our restaurant and off-licence.”