Brexit challenges up for debate

The sixth Annual '˜Appetite for Growth Conference' will this year bring together leading industry figures to discuss how the challenges of Brexit can best be addressed by the local food and drink sector.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Sep 2017, 08:30 BST
Updated 14th Sep 2017, 08:32 BST
L- R Michael Bell, Executive Director, NIFDA, Richard Primrose, Agri Manager, Bank of Ireland UK and Debbie Johnston, Project Officer, Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural AffairsL- R Michael Bell, Executive Director, NIFDA, Richard Primrose, Agri Manager, Bank of Ireland UK and Debbie Johnston, Project Officer, Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs
L- R Michael Bell, Executive Director, NIFDA, Richard Primrose, Agri Manager, Bank of Ireland UK and Debbie Johnston, Project Officer, Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs

Delegates will also hear from Groceries Code Adjudicator, Christine Tacon, about how the Groceries Supply Code of Practice is ensuring fairer trading relationships with the major grocery chains.

Organised by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) and supported by Bank of Ireland UK and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the free-to-attend Conference will take place at the Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch on Thursday 21st September from 8am to 11.30am.

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The format of the conference has this year been condensed into a morning-only event, and will include a breakfast networking session and Brexit panel discussion with industry experts. The Brexit panel line-up includes NIFDA chairman Declan Billington, Ulster Farmers’ Union deputy president, Victor Chestnutt; Bank of Ireland’s Alan Bridle and Tina McKenzie, Staffline Group. Panel discussions will be chaired by well-known business broadcaster, Wendy Austin.

Commenting on the main issues up for discussion, NIFDA’s executive director Michael Bell said: “We will be focusing on the most immediate Brexit challenges and how these can best be managed. Already we are seeing the impact of Brexit in terms of the loss of migrant workers. As we approach the end of the year, it is likely that companies will struggle to find the extra labour required to meet increased seasonal demand, so this is something we need to plan for now. Similarly as the value of sterling continues to decrease, companies who are reliant on imports are facing increasing cost pressures, and we need to explore how to mitigate these changes as much as possible.

“We are also delighted to welcome Christine Tacon as a keynote speaker to the event. Given that three quarters of the produce we sell is through the UK multiple retailers, it is imperative that local companies are getting the fairest deal possible. The Groceries Code Adjudicator has become an important referee of this vital supplier-retailer relationship, and we have no doubt that our local suppliers will benefit from hearing what she has to say.”

Agri manager for Bank of Ireland UK, Richard Primrose commented: “Bank of Ireland UK is delighted to be supporting this important agri-food event for the fifth consecutive year. We recognise the importance of the agri-food industry and the significance this sector plays within the Northern Ireland economy, providing jobs and financial stability through both domestic and international sales. It’s a key area of focus for the bank and we are proud to serve customers from across the industry with products and services that best suit their needs. We look forward to attending the event and sharing our insights on the sector.”

To register for Appetite for Growth please visit www.nifda.co.uk/afg17/ or contact Morrow Communications Events Team on tel: 028 90393837.

Related topics:BrexitMichael Bell