Bord Bia & PwC Open Applications for Ascent 2016
10th March 2016
Bord Bia and PwC are calling for applications, from medium-sized food and drink companies, for this year’s Ascent programme. The programme is targeted at companies with a need for bespoke mentoring and support to identify and overcome obstacles to growth. Some of this year’s advice and service offerings include accessing finance, route to market planning, strategy development and business restructuring.
“This year marks the second year of the programme and feedback from last year’s members has been extremely positive,” commented Maria Stokes, Ascent Programme Manager, Bord Bia. “We worked with a wide range of companies in year one, covering all sectors and sizes, and each had a unique challenge to overcome from distribution and logistics to succession planning and export growth strategies. Through one-to-one advice and mentoring from Bord Bia and PwC, the companies were provided with a customised action plan outlining clear workable solutions.”
Through Ascent, Ballymaloe Foods in Cork, a participant in last year’s programme, was provided with external advice in many areas such as finance, sales and online. Speaking at the launch, Maxine Hyde commented “Ballymaloe Foods were thrilled to be part of the inaugural Bord Bia Ascent programme. It helped us shape our growth plans and ideas on how best to move forward with them.”
Applications are now open for companies interested in being a part of this year’s Ascent programme. Applicants should have an annual turnover between €1 million and €20 million. Deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 30th and you can apply here.
(Pictured L-R: Pauline Dunne, Killowen Farm; Maria Stokes, Ascent Programme Manager, Bord Bia; John Dunne, Partner, Private Client Services, PwC; and Maxine Hyde, Ballymaloe. Photo credit: Gary O’ Neill.)
