

Focussed training and expertise aimed at helping North East food and drink businesses bounce back from the effects of COVID-19.

Cohort 1: Thursday 28th January 2021, 9.30am-12.30pm
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 1: Thursday 4th February 2021, 9.30am-12.30pm
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 1: Thursday 11th February 2021, 9.30am-12.30pm
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 1: Thursday 18th February 2021, 9.30am-12.30pm
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 1: Thursday 25th February 2021, 9.30am-12.30pm
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 1: Thursday 4th March 2021, 9.30am-12.30pm
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.