The UK marketplace is ripe for new food and drink enterprises to be established, and for existing businesses to expand their market share.
This is optimistic message from SAC Food & Drink as it prepares to deliver a new Scottish Enterprise training scheme that aims to help Scottish entrepreneurs maximise their market opportunities.
Workshops will be held across Scotland and will cover key elements of operating a successful enterprise based around the themes of Profitability and Business Growth, Product Evaluation and Market Testing and Facing the Customer/Consumer.
Patrick Hughes of SAC Food & Drink explained: “The current landscape could not be better for new and existing Food & Drink enterprises.
“The Scottish Government wants to increase the value of the food and drink sector to £12.5 billion by 2017 and there is a phenomenal level of support out there to help businesses grow, such as this Scottish Enterprise-funded programme.
“If participants have the ambition and desire to make it happen, we can help them get there.”
The Scotland Food & Drink UK Market Development Programme, part of the organisation's Access to Market programme, will benefit businesses looking to expand their market opportunities but are unsure how to access these markets; people who have a concept or a business idea relating to food and drink and are seeking guidance; and established businesses wishing to train or equip their next generation for success.
The first workshop on Profitability and Business Growth takes place at three different venues for the convenience of partcipants:
- Tuesday, 22nd November, 10am – 4pm, Finavon Hotel, Finavon, A90, By Forfar
- Wednesday, 23rd November, 10am – 4pm, Strathclyde Hilton, Phoenix Crescent Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill, ML4 3JQ
- Thursday, 24th November, 10am – 4pm, Aston Hotel, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4ZZ
Future workshops take place in February and March 2012.
The cost of attending the entire programme is £150. To register please email Patrick Hughes or telephone 01224 711047.