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News Release from: The Grimsby Institute | Subject: Seafood development programme
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial Team on 06 February 2006

Development programmes for seafood
processors

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The Strategic Management Development Programme for Ireland's seafood processing industry has been going from strength to strength since its inception

The Strategic Management Development Programme for the seafood processing industry has been going from strength to strength since its inception This programme, designed by the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education, is delivered as a joint initiative between the Humber Business School and the Humber Institute of Food and Fisheries, both divisions of the Grimsby Institute

The programme, which is endorsed by BIM, the Irish Fisheries Board, is funded jointly by Enterprise Ireland and the delegates from the Irish Seafood sector.

This year saw representatives from BIM and Enterprise Ireland along with delegates from all aspects of the Ireland Seafood industry visiting the Grimsby Institute to take part in the sixth workshop to have been run on the programme.

As the seafood industry is vitally important to the Irish economy, the challenge that its managers and leaders face is the increasing competitiveness and uncertainty of the market.

The ability to develop products for identified key markets using skilled staff is an increasing requirement in the global market.

The aim of the Grimsby Institute's programme is to create a 'critical mass' of owner managers and senior managers from differing seafood businesses with a common understanding of business strategies, marketing, organisation performance and systems to increase market penetration and ultimately profitability.

The course itself contains key areas covering strategy and business management, export marketing management and financial management and analysis to name a few.

The real success of the programme has been demonstrated by the level of involvement from the Irish Seafood sector, with senior management and owners taking valuable time out from their business to travel from all over Ireland to the workshops which are held in Dublin.

"I think the fact that these very busy owner managers and directors have taken the time to get involved in this programme gives a strong indication of how useful it is", commented Don McSwiney Strategic Development Manager of Enterprise Ireland.

"The workshops provide strategic development advice and training, but I think it's more than that.

It is also a great opportunity to network with similar trade professionals.

Many of the delegates to have taken part in this programme are now working together to ensure a stronger future for their businesses".

As raw materials begin to get scarce there is a need for the industry to be knowledgeable enough to manage and market its business efficiently.

The programme from the Grimsby Institute has allowed business people to focus on the ways they can help maintain the longevity of their companies, while the opportunity to network and share ideas has proved equally beneficial.

"As a small business it can sometimes be hard to see the whole picture, but this programme helps to do that", said Ken Ecock, Business Development Director at Oceanpath.

"I think the programme is hugely beneficial to the industry, not only does it help focus on the important areas of management strategy it also presents us all with the opportunity to get our heads together and share ideas and opinions on the future of the industry".

In September 2005 as part of the programme, the Grimsby Institute, Enterprise Ireland and the programme delegates travelled to New Foundland and Prince Edward Island (Canada) as an opportunity to view first hand the latest research and technology transfer.

Such has been the success and positive feedback from the programme that the Grimsby Institute, again in association with Enterprise Ireland and BIM, is planning on launching a second programme focusing on the strategy behind managing specific groups within the seafood trade.

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