Bizstartup.ie - NewsTraining programme will mentor eight west Cork companies to innovate in the seafood sector

The Developing a Sustainable Seafood Business programme is a joint initiative between West Cork Enterprise Board and Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board. It will offer extensive training and mentoring expertise to eight West Cork Seafood companies over a 12-month period.

Accredited under FETAC, the programme 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.

New product development opportunities in Irish aquaculture area

Other industry experts will also be involved in training the candidates on a variety of business issues, including Dr Susan Steele, BIM’s Innovation co-ordinator, who will speak about new product development opportunities in the Irish aquaculture area.

As part of the programme, the eight seafood companies will also visit a number of key international trade shows in 2010, including the 2010 European Seafood Exposition, which takes place in Brussels, Belgium (27–29 April).

Current market trends in seafood sphere

European Seafood Exposition is Europe’s largest and most prestigious seafood show, where participants will get to experience the current market and packaging trends and any innovative new product developments being launched by other seafood companies globally.

Developing value-added seafood products

Speaking on the launch of the Developing a Sustainable Seafood Business programme, BIM CEO 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 that tailormade 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.”

A hands-on mentoring approach

“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 Hanley, chief executive, West Cork County Enterprise Board.

Following the 12-month programme, Hanley said the eight existing west Cork seafood companies will return to the marketplace equipped with new improved management skills, more advanced seafood-industry knowledge and in a stronger position to make a contribution to Ireland’s seafood sector. 

For further details, contact West Cork Enterprise Board or BIM.

Photo: From left to right: Sofia Breikof, Casey’s of Baltimore; Dr Susan Steele, Innovation co-ordinator, BIM Seafood Development Centre; Gloria Corcoran, BIM Seafood Development Centre; John Fagan, Seafood technologist, BIM Seafood Development Centre; and Johnny Phair, BIM Seafood Development Centre