Small and medium sized enterprises in the food and manufacturing/engineering sectors are being encouraged to apply to InterTradeIreland’s supply chain and sourcing service.
Selected businesses will receive a review of their supply chain by independent specialists, and receive advice on how to save money and carbon emissions by sourcing rom across the island of Ireland.
The project is a partnership between InterTrade Ireland and two other agencies. Blue Sky Food Consulting will advise food businesses, and MOAT Consultants will aid engineering and manufacturing companies.
The scheme is open to businesses in food and manufacturing/engineering with fewer than 250 employees.
To be selected, the businesses must have a turnover of over £50,000 and under £40m, be registered in Ireland or Northern Ireland and have a minimum of 12 month trading history.
InterTradeIreland is an all-island trade and business development organisation. It was established in 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement.
It works to promote and aid cross-border business, trade, investment and innovation.
Since then has assisted more than 57,000 business across the island of Ireland, generating £1.6bn (€1.8bn) in business development value.
Successful applicant businesses will receive what an InterTradeIreland spokesperson called an “on-site supply chain audit and mapping exercise.”
“This will involve conducting a walk-through of business operations, identifying and documenting areas or opportunities for potential cross-border solutions.
“Businesses may also be eligible for follow-up mentoring support to help maximise the opportunities identified.”
Colin McCabrey, director of trade at InterTradeIreland said: “I’m delighted to launch our first supply chain and sourcing service.
“This initiative presents a great opportunity for 60 business across the island to receive support from sector-specific supply chain specialists from both the food industry and the manufacturing and engineering industry.
“Under their guidance, businesses will gain invaluable insights to enhance their supply chain operations by identifying new sales and sourcing opportunities on the island.”
Margaret Dineen, CEO and founder, Blue Sky Food Consulting, said: “As a food supply chain consultant within the industry, I understand the value of a service like this, which can hugely benefit any company to further grow and scale.
“I’m delighted to work in partnership with InterTradeIreland and directly with businesses to help them thrive in today’s competitive market.”
Aidan Farnan, director at MOAT Consultants said: “We’re delighted to work in partnership with InterTradeIreland to deliver this new service to help SMEs identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
“If you’re a business operating in the manufacturing or engineering sector and looking to build a stronger and more resilient future, don’t miss out on this opportunity to strengthen your supply chain with expert support.”