Channel Clusters - Food and Drink Ireland-Wales

Closed

SME's in the food and drink sector in Wales and Ireland have to work with channel partners such as wholesalers and buying groups. It is recognised that SME's find it difficult to find channel partners and develop a successful working relationship. The project aims to address these barriers to growth through clustering techniques. Project Aims: 1. Establish 6 Cross Border clusters with 30 SME's around 6 strategic Channel Partners in the UK market. 2. Increase competitive advantage through the cluster, with SME's and the channel partner exchanging knowledge, sharing learning and devising joint solutions to innovate in management practices. 3. Establish sharing activities in marketing between SME's in Ireland and Wales. 4. Tailor support to each SME to overcome weaknesses identified to develop new markets. 5. Encourage research and collaboration to develop innovative new products, technologies and practices. Linking with HE/FE institutions. 6. Reduce food miles as the project will optimise delivery patterns and raise awareness of the issue. 7. Disseminate new management techniques thereby enhancing cross border business viability in 90 SME's through improved business structures and systems. Activities will include: cluster meetings, one-to-one support, matching SME's to channel partners, study tours, workshops, sharing activities in research/ promotion to develop new products & processes.

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