Focussed training and expertise aimed at helping North East food and drink businesses bounce back from the effects of COVID-19.
Cohort 3: Thursday 11th March 2021, 1.30pm-4.30pm

WORKSHOP 1.

The impact of COVID-19

How has the pandemic affected the food and drink sector and what do you need to do in light of changing customer behaviour?

AGENDA
1. Setting the Scene

Question and answer session with Ian Wright, Chief Executive of Food and Drink Federation.

2. Beyond The Crisis
Nicola Thomas, Independent Consultant, Director at Food and Drink Exporters Association and former Head of Food and Drink at Santander.
3. Trends in Foodservice and Hospitality

Andy Skowronski, International Industry Advisor and Trainer.

4. The impact on your business 
Nicola Reeder, Facilitator.
Cohort 3: Thursday 18th March 2021, 1.30pm-4.30pm

WORKSHOP 2.

People management, risks and wellbeing

People are one of the largest investments in any business. How has the current situation affected your team and do you have a clear plan of action to manage any fall out.

AGENDA
1. Identifying and managing relevant risks in your business

AQCT.

2. COVID-19 impacts on Human Resources
Jayne Hart, HR Department.
3. Wellbeing and mental health

Lizzie Hodcroft, CEO of Discova.

4. Adapting to change
Paul Irwin-Rhodes, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Greggs PLC.
Cohort 3: Thursday 25th March 2021, 1.30pm-4.30pm

WORKSHOP 3.

Planning with purpose

Where do you want your business to be in the short, medium and longterm? How can a clear plan help you get there?

AGENDA
1. Building business resilience

Ian Pilkington, Business Coach, i2i Consultants.

2. Staying agile and adapting to change
Des Kennedy, Managing Director, Infinite Design.
3. The Local Heroes journey

Chris Jewitt, Chief Executive Food and Drink North East.

4. Session review
Nicoal Reeder, Facilitator.
Cohort 3: Thursday 1st April 2021, 1.30pm-4.30pm

WORKSHOP 4.

Figuring out finance

Do you have a grasp of your business finances? Is it the right time to invest and if so, how and where?

AGENDA
1. Building and using financial projections

Harlands.

2. Costing considerations and margins
Harlands.
3. The power of profit

Harlands.

4. Raising finance for growth
Harlands.
Cohort 3: Thursday 8th April 2021, 1.30pm-4.30pm

WORKSHOP 5.

Mastering marketing and digital

In order to succeed your business must have have a well managed online presence. But how can you get the best from paid, owned and earned channels?.

AGENDA
1. Building your brand

Steve Wheaton Managing Director, Enspire.

2. Developing and implementing a digital marketing strategy
Des Kennedy, CEO, Definitive.
3. Telling your story

Julia Glotz, The Pick List and Ex-editor of The Grocer.

4. Session review
Nicola Reeder, Facilitator.
Cohort 3: Thursday 15th April 2021, 1.30pm-4.30pm

WORKSHOP 6.

Developing effective sales channels

Sales are the very lifeblood of your business. Are you converting as many as you need and how can you make the most of wider opportunities?

AGENDA
1. Inside the mind of the retailer

Speaker TBC.

2. Developing alternative sales channels
Andy Skowronski, International Industry Advisor and Trainer.
3. Growing an e-commerce business

Des Kennedy, CEO, Definitive.

4. Routes to export markets
Paul Abbley and Chris Jewitt, Department of International Trade.