Food and drink companies are invited to enter the 17th running of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Awards.
Held in partnership with firmus energy, the awards are a key indicator of excellence for food and drink manufacturers, giving companies the opportunity to showcase innovation and excellence, and present quality products in front of key retail customers.
Companies of all sizes can participate in this year’s awards, free of charge, with 13 categories including Best New Product for micro, small, medium, and large businesses as well as awards that recognise excellence in areas across sustainability, exports, supply chain, healthy food and more.
Entries - which must be received by February 8 - will be judged by a panel of representatives from major retailers alongside other industry experts, and winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony hosted by BBC Northern Ireland presenter Jo Scott on Friday March 15 in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
NIFDA executive director Michael Bell said: “Northern Ireland is home to some of the most innovative and successful food and drink companies. Theses awards are all about celebrating that success, and highlighting the very best food and drink products our region has to offer. The awards are also an invaluable opportunity for local firms to showcase their quality products in front of key customers and industry leaders.
“Across all the categories, we are shining the spotlight on all the products, processes and people that contribute to the success of Northern Ireland food and drink. Our new Food & Drink Advanced Innovation Award recognises the progress local companies are making in the area of advanced manufacturing and digital transformation, and we are also introducing a new Leaders of Tomorrow award, celebrating the contribution of the outstanding young people who are driving the industry forward.
“Given the importance of food and drink to the local economy, these awards are among the most important events in the Northern Ireland business calendar, and I would encourage businesses of every size to make the most of this opportunity, and get their entries in as soon as possible.”
Firmus energy is again the keynote sponsor at the NIFDA awards. Other sponsors include Asda, Lidl, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Food Standards Agency NI, DAERA, Invest Northern Ireland, Safefood, Birnie Consultancy, Sysco Software and the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland.
More information on categories, and details on how to enter, at nifdaawards.com
4 CORNERS FESTIVAL
The screenwriters behind the successful BBC police drama Blue Lights have joined the line-up of the 4 Corners Festival to tell the story behind their critically acclaimed TV show.
Writer Declan Lawn (from Ballymena) and Adam Patterson (from Dromore) will be interviewed by Ulster University student Tyree Patton who will explore the stories they chose to tell within the Blue Lights series.
Blue Lights follows new police recruits Grace, Annie, and Tommy, as they learn the ropes in a high-pressure environment.
Speaking of the event Tyree said: “I’m delighted to be getting the opportunity to interview Declan and Adam about their Blue Lights Journey.
“The series tells an excellent story of Northern Ireland’s policing service in the 21st century and the interview taking place where part of the series was filmed makes it all the more special.
“The Blue Lights story being very fitting for the theme of the 4 Corners Festival this year, I look forward to sitting down to help tell it.”
The event, taking place at All Saints College, Glen Road on Wednesday February 7, was part of the first series.
For more information about the festival and to keep up to date with programme updates go to 4cornersfestival.com
APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2024
Would-be apprentices and employers are being encouraged to release their potential during Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2024.
Led by the Department for the Economy and running from February 5-9, Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week will showcase how apprenticeships can transform the future of apprentices and businesses, helping them release their potential.
Launching NI Apprenticeship Week during a visit to Queen’s University Belfast to meet its technician apprentices, Moira Doherty, head of skills and education at DfE, said: “Apprenticeships offer a fantastic way to learn new skills, gain recognised qualifications and enable you to release your potential.
“Employed from the start, you earn while you learn, working alongside experienced staff as well as studying at a local college, university or private training provider. And for employers, apprenticeships offer access to fresh talent as apprentices gain the real-world skills and qualifications needed to help your business grow. I encourage anyone with an interest in an apprenticeship to check out the events planned for NI Apprenticeship Week and get involved to find out more.”
She added: “Apprenticeships are crucial to underpinning the inclusive economic growth we all want for Northern Ireland.”
During Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week, would-be apprentices of all ages will have the opportunity to learn more about available opportunities in a wide range of sectors including accountancy, beauty therapy, construction, engineering, hairdressing, health and social care, IT, transport and utilities.
Details of in-person and virtual events happening across Northern Ireland during Apprenticeship Week are available at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/apprenticeship-week-events
And following on from Apprenticeship Week will be the Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Awards 2024, taking place on Wednesday March 27,
AI TECHNOLOGY MASTERCLASSES
Two free masterclasses will help businesses learn how to adapt and flourish within the fast-changing communications landscape.
Innovation Factory on the Springfield Road in Belfast will host the seminars on AI for Social Media on January 18 and the Complete Guide to Chat GPT on February 8.
Led by Ciaran Connolly, founder of ProfileTree, a leading web design and digital marketing agency, both events will help businesses stay on top of the massive changes presented by these technologies.
Shane Smith, Innovation Factory engagement manager, said: “We felt it was essential to demystify these communications tools and help businesses understand the pivotal roles they can play in the future growth and innovation of their companies.”
Both events will be held from and run from 9.30-11.30am and are open to all, though pre-booking is required.
This is an opportunity to learn first-hand from the team at ProfileTree, which is at the forefront of digital strategy, offering web design, content creation, video production, and SEO services.
Ciaran Connolly said: “AI and technologies like ChatGPT are transforming how businesses connect with customers. These masterclasses will give companies the knowledge and tools to harness AI to elevate their digital marketing and strengthen customer relationships. By showcasing how these technologies are easy and cost-effective to use, we hope to empower local businesses to boost sales and stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape.”
To book a space at AI for Social Media go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlock-the-power-of-ai-in-social-media-marketing-tickets-774236591487?aff=erelexpmlt while to book a free space at the Complete Guide to Chat GPT go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/complete-guide-to-chat-gpt-tickets-775433471387?aff=erelexpmlt
