Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA and Minister for the Economy, Conor Murphy MLA have met with the newly formed Board of the NI Food to Go Association to discuss the immediate needs of the organisation’s members across Northern Ireland.
The board, Chaired by Kiera Campbell, Sales Director at Henderson Foodservice, were accompanied by CEO of the Association, Michael Henderson, and highlighted urgent priorities that the Board will discuss and action in the coming months for their almost 1,000 members, such as fair employment and the Good Jobs Bill, plus sustainability legislation for the industry.
Chairperson Kiera Campbell will lead board members including CEO Michael Henderson; Richard Cassells, Regional Sales Director, Stephen’s Catering Equipment; Malcolm Emery, Managing Director, Radius Energy; Frank Shivers, All Party Parliamentary Group of the NI Economy; Peter McMeekin, General Manager, Zeus Packaging and Rory Morgan, Senior Manager, Proactive Accounting. Michele Shirlow MBE, Chief Executive of Food NI and Roberta Ferson, Head of Corporate Services and Strategic Engagement at the Food Standards Agency will also take advisory positions.
Mr Henderson thanked the Ministers for taking the time to listen to the challenges but also the success of the thousands of businesses that are operating in communities throughout Northern Ireland; “We have a thriving food to go industry but those businesses are coming up against challenges daily, which is why we have formed our professional board who will lobby on their behalf and help the association make informed, practical decisions that will help businesses achieve fair employment and grow their sustainability credentials.
“We are grateful that the Ministers have taken time to listen to these concerns and to understand how the NI Food to Go Association operates, and how we will continue to lobby the Assembly to provide a better working environment for our members and wider businesses.”
Economy Minister Conor Murphy commented: “With a presence in almost every community across the North, Food to Go is a vital aspect of our hospitality and tourism offering and it was important to hear first-hand the issues affecting their sector. I remain committed to supporting our hospitality and tourism industry as we build a regionally balanced and sustainable economy.”
Minister Archibald added; “I very much welcome this opportunity to meet the association to discuss the issues facing the food to go sector including on issues like the current environment for businesses. I am committed to doing all I can as Finance Minister to support the sector and other businesses. That is why around 75% of non-domestic ratepayers get some form of rate support and 65% of the Hospitality sector here receive support though the Small Business Rate Relief. I also relaunched the Back in Business scheme in May to encourage the use of vacant retail space and help revitalise our high streets which should benefit everyone including the food to go sector. I am keen to build on existing policy measures to build a progressive rates system that helps businesses, grows our tax base and stimulates our economy.”
Responding to a recent survey undertaken by the association, 70% said recruitment remains a big issue due to the skilled workers definition leading to a workforce shortage. Other matters included business rates, insurance, utility bills and sustainability.
Kiera Campbell, who has 25 years’ experience in the food and drink industry also thanked the Ministers, and welcomed the new board members to the Association; “We had a meaningful and productive meeting with Minister Archibald and Minister Murphy and we thank them for their time.
“It is a pleasure to welcome our new board members who bring a wealth of business, HR, sustainability, financial and legal expertise for our hundreds of members. We hope our board reassures both our members and those in the wider sector that they have a group behind them who is equipped to help and make those important, strategic decisions on behalf of the Association and its members.”
For more information, visit nifoodtogo.co.uk.