10.02.03      
Workshops to give food and drink businesses the edge

A wealth of Cornish business skills and expertise is being harnessed for a new seminar series starting this month, designed specifically to give local food and drink producers a commercial boost this year.

Organised by the Objective One funded Cornwall Taste of the West, the series of practical workshops runs through February, March and April. It brings together leading business and industry specialists to speak on marketing, business development, legislation and regulations, website and internet use. It also includes a range of successful local producers able to share their skills and experience with the Cornish food and drink sector.

To help encourage high levels of attendance, the cost of each seminar is being subsidised, with prices ranging from £15 to £35 per session (see full list attached).

“A wealth of expertise exists in Cornwallfor traders to learn from,” says Carol Trewin of Cornwall Taste of the West. “The topics and speakers have been chosen specially to help give local businesses the skills to run more effectively and profitably. Imagination is also key to market success, and we’re hoping this workshop series will inspire as well as inform.”

The series kicks off on Monday 17 February at Penwith Business Centre, Penzance, with the Focus on Food seminar – see details below.

For more press information please contact Veronica Newport at npr on 01363 866927 or email veronica@npr1.co.uk.

Cornwall Taste of the West
Producer development programme – Spring 2003

Focus on Food
One day workshop on selling products to retailers, from farm shops to supermarkets. This includes labelling requirements and advice from established local traders.
Speakers: Graham Ford, Cornwall Trading Standards; Paul Lowndes, Lanista Business Development; Tony Manfredi, Cornish Drinks Co. and Bob Lindo, Camel Valley Wines.
Dates: 17 February (Penwith); 18 March (Bodmin)
Cost: £25.00

Planning for Profit
Everything you ever needed to know about running a profitable enterprise, from essential food legislation and financial matters to making the best use of the internet.
Speakers: North Cornwall District Council; Clarke Willmott and Clarke; Jonathan Duval, ID Media
Dates: 20 February (Bodmin); 3 March (Penwith)
Cost: £15.00

Show and Exhibition Skills
How to make the most of your product, including packaging, labelling and display. Practical session including tips from retailers and buyers.
Speakers: Paul Lowndes, Lanista Business Development; Philip Hunt, ex-National Trust; Michael Kann, Effings Fine Foods.
Dates: 19 February (Bodmin); 12 March (Penwith)
Cost: £25.00

New Tastes of Cornwall
Top Cornish chef Sonia Stevenson demonstrates new ideas for menus featuring Cornish produce.
Dates: 1 April; 9 April
Location: Newquay for Excellence
Cost: £35.00

Marketing Matters
Half day seminar looking at the art of marketing, promotion and branding, and why this is key to a successful business.
Speakers: Russell Stevens, NMR; Joss Davidge, Ginsters; Peter Redstone, Rocombe Farm Ice Cream.
Date: 20 March
Location: Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay
Cost: tbc
   
For more information on any of these workshops, or to book a place, please contact Grace Lobb at Cornwall Taste of the West on 01579 349363.

Editor's notes:

Jason Clark
Communications Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388

jason@dclark.co.uk

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