Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Market Development Scheme Worth £9.2 Million In Food And Drink Sales

20th May 2007

Highlands and Islands food and drink producers have attributed £9.2 million of new sales to events and exhibitions organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), through its UK Market Development programme.

A recent evaluation of the programme commissioned by HIE has demonstrated that bringing together food and drink producers and buyers is an effective way for speciality companies in the Highlands and Islands to do business.

The programme's tailored range of events gives companies the opportunity to meet with buyers from key customers at informal business meetings, events and exhibitions.

Companies get an opportunity to see what type of products the buyer is looking for, gaining a better understanding of the business they are targeting. In some cases an event can even help a company decide not to pursue the lead if they don't fit the buyer's profile.

The evaluation confirmed that orders secured by participating companies were forecast to generate additional sales of up to £9.2 million over the next four years.

Ninety-five per cent of the businesses interviewed felt that participating in the programme was beneficial in other ways, such as networking with other businesses and learning more about the target business.

Ross Higgs of Orkney Food Company said: "The learning journey organised by HIE gave us good insight into Dobbies' and Waitrose's operations. Although we currently trade with both these companies, being able to understand the business first hand has been a great asset. We can now drive our business to meet their requirements and also ensure that we support their business strategy".

The advantage of networking was also highlighted by a number of respondents, particularly smaller, rural and island based food and drink businesses. Jill Clark of Connage Dairy in Ardersier, World Cheese Awards Gold Winner 2007, said: "As a young business, we are now at the stage where we are ready to develop new markets. Going to the buyer briefing with Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh, gave us a great chance to gain insight into what that company was looking for in terms of its suppliers. It allowed us to meet up with like-minded businesses, at different stages of growth, and we now feel more confident to approach key buyers. The networking opportunity was excellent."

Mark Georgeson, HIE's senior food and drink development manager said: "It's fantastic to see such positive outcomes from the programme. The range of marketing opportunities includes meet the buyer events, producer showcases and learning journeys, but most importantly the programme helps small businesses get access to buyers who they would otherwise struggle to meet.

"Businesses taking part in the programme see real benefit in these events, but also in meeting small businesses in similar positions to themselves. As working relationships develop over time, each inspires confidence in the other.

"By participating under the Scottish Food and Drink banner, trade exhibitions provide a great platform for a strong regional identity which is attractive to the buyers. The collective approach is also very attractive to these buyers who are looking to maximise the great marketing potential of the region in their outlets.

"The Highlands and Islands tell a tremendous story and, more significantly, we can back that up with the production of high quality products which are in tune with the environment".

To see the full report click on
http://www.hie.co.uk/food-and-drink-evaluation-may-2007.html

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

New Orkney Whisky Distillery In Moves To Create Jobs And Lower EmissionsThumbnail for article : New Orkney Whisky Distillery In Moves To Create Jobs And Lower Emissions
Deerness Distillery Ltd has secured £246,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the £820,000 development.   Construction is underway at the distillery, which was founded by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Adelle Brown.  
Cuts And More Cuts But Still Cash For Arts In Highland - £30,000 For TapestriesThumbnail for article : Cuts And More Cuts But Still Cash For Arts In Highland - £30,000 For Tapestries
The Co-Chairs of the Inverness Castle Delivery Group, Fergus Ewing MSP and Cllr Ian Brown, are delighted to announce the award of £30,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in support of framing the 57 panels that will form the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands.   This financial commitment from HIE has contributed significantly to the preservation of the 57 panels created by communities across the Highlands and Islands, of which 32 will be included in the first exhibition as part of the Inverness Castle Experience.  
£24.5m To Secure £350m Inward InvestmentThumbnail for article : £24.5m To Secure £350m Inward Investment
Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd plans to establish major operations in the region, supplying high voltage cables to the growing offshore wind energy sector.   A funding package has been agreed to secure an estimated £350m in inward investment for Scotland, based in the Highlands.  
Property Demand Study Launched By Highlands and Islands Enterprisie
As part of the study, businesses, community groups and social enterprises with future land or property plans are encouraged to complete a short survey by 22 March 2024.   Whether it's interest in land for sale or space to lease, HIE is keen to hear from organisations already based in the region as well as from those that are considering locating a business to the area.  
Shetland Engineering Firm Expands And Creates JobsThumbnail for article : Shetland Engineering Firm Expands And Creates Jobs
L&M Engineering has secured a grant of £58,914 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for the development, which is set to boost business turnover by £1.2m and create two jobs over the next three years.   The company is diversifying its operations to cater for additional aquaculture markets.  
Region's Businesses Value Community Links
Most businesses in the Highlands and Islands consider their links with the local community as either equal to or more important than their profitable growth.   This is one of the key findings of the most recent rural business survey commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in partnership with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).  
Support Programme Takes Young Entrepreneurs To The Next Level
Dynamic business support programme, IMPACT30, is aimed at nurturing and empowering the next generation of innovative leaders.   The fully funded programme is for people aged under 35 in a young enterprise and in a key decision-making role.  
Power Boost For Off-grid Island
A project to increase electricity supply and reduce emissions on a west coast island has been awarded more than £25,000 by HIE.   The HIE funding is being used to replace and upgrade high voltage transformers and other associated equipment to enable a major upgrade of the renewable energy supply on the Isle of Muck.  
Region's Young Workforce To Take Part In Pioneering Sustainability Skills ProgrammeThumbnail for article : Region's Young Workforce To Take Part In Pioneering Sustainability Skills Programme
Region's young workforce to take part in pioneering sustainability skills programme.   Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Zero Waste Scotland and business transformation enterprise Powering Futures have teamed up to provide the fully-funded places on the Highlands and Islands Powering Futures Challenge 2024.  
New Facility For Renewables Industry Trainees
People working in or entering Scotland's growing renewables industry will soon have access to a new training facility in Inverness.   The £1.22m Renewable Energy Training Centre, being established by Aurora Energy Services Ltd, (AES) will be the first of its kind in the region.