The programme called “Developing a Sustainable Seafood Business” is a joint initiative between the West Cork Enterprise Board and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, and will offer extensive training and mentoring expertise to eight West Cork Seafood companies over a twelve month period.
The programme, which is accredited under FETAC, will be delivered by Conor Hyde and Kieran O'Connor of Bullseye Food Marketing, who are both experts in the field of food business development. A number of other industry experts will also be involved in training the candidates on a variety of business issues, including Dr. Susan Steele, BIM’s Innovation Coordinator, who will address Irish aquaculture new product development opportunities.
As part of the programme, the nine seafood companies will also visit a number of key international trade shows in 2010, including the EU Seafood Show, which takes place in Brussels, Belgium. This is Europe’s largest and most prestigious Seafood show, where participants will get to experience first hand the current market and packaging trends and any innovative new product developments being launched by other seafood companies from around the world.
Speaking on the launch of this new program, BIM Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jason Whooley said;
“2010 is set to be a challenging year for all of us in the Irish seafood sector and the economy as a whole. However with challenges come opportunities, especially for dynamic businesses. By focusing on their strategic business planning and continuing to innovate, seafood businesses can harness the distinct competitive advantage which a tailor-made professional development programmes such as this can offer companies. Developing value added seafood products and new product ranges to target specific markets are vital to ensure the seafood sector is well-placed to continue providing Ireland’s coastal communities with employment and wealth-creation opportunities now and in the future.”
West Cork Enterprise Board is delighted with this new initiative in such challenging economic times and Michael Hanley, Chief Executive, is very pleased with the inter agency co-operative approach being taken by West Cork Enterprise Board and BIM in offering this new training programme.
“This programme highlights an excellent opportunity for ambitious individuals in the seafood sector to add value to their products. In a time of increasing competition West Cork Enterprise Board is encouraging those seeking to develop new product ranges in addition to current production. Through a mix of interactive workshops and one to one mentoring, the programme will provide participants with a hands-on approach to help market their businesses successfully and profitably. ” said Michael.
The programme is expected to run over twelve months and will deliver nine existing West Cork seafood companies back to the market place with new improved management skills, more advanced seafood industry knowledge, and in a stronger position to make a contribution to our important Irish seafood sector.
For further details please contact West Cork Enterprise Board:-
Christine Heffernan, West Cork Enterprise Board, Kent Street, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
T: 023 - 8834700 F: 023 - 8834702 E: christine@wceb.ie
W: www.wceb.ie
Or Hazel Dobbyn, Communications Executive, BIM
T: 01-2144192/ 087 4190341 E: dobbyn@bim.ie
Note to Editor:
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board is the Irish State agency with responsibility for developing the Irish Sea Fishing and Aquaculture industries. BIM provides commercially relevant and innovative services to the Irish seafood industry that drive growth opportunities, add value, enhance competitiveness and create jobs in a sustainable, natural resource based industry for the benefit of coastal communities.
www.bim.ie
The West Cork Enterprise Board Ltd (WCEB) is funded under Ireland's EU Structural Funds Programme 2007-2013 with funding from the Exchequer and the European Regional Development Fund. WCEB is responsible for micro-enterprises in West Cork with key roles including: financial assistance, training, networking, business advice and mentoring.
www.wceb.ie