“Annie’s Roasts” sells free range locally produced poultry (chicken & duck) roasted fresh on site. SECAD contributed a grant towards the purchase of a rotisserie and other equipment such as fridges, heated display, signage and training which enabled Annie’s Roasts to sell at Farmers’ Markets.
The poultry is cooked in a custom built rotisserie trailer for take way trade at farmers markets and festivals throughout Munster.
Annie Murphy grew up on a farm where her mother reared poultry that she sold to Ballymaloe House and Cookery School and free range turkeys at Christmas that she sold to the public. Her brother Robert is the owner of East Ferry free range, producing poultry which are certified by Good Food Ireland and he is one of Annie’s suppliers.

Annie has completed the National Hygiene Partnership Management of Food Hygiene Course.

Annie also offers complimentary products such as marinades and dressings and hopes to branch out into cooking local quality assured meat as the market demands.

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“Annie’s Roasts” sells free range locally produced poultry (chicken & duck) roasted fresh on site. SECAD contributed a grant towards the purchase of a rotisserie and other equipment such as fridges, heated display, signage and training which enabled Annie’s Roasts to sell at Farmers’ Markets.
The poultry is cooked in a custom built rotisserie trailer for take way trade at farmers markets and festivals throughout Munster.
Annie Murphy grew up on a farm where her mother reared poultry that she sold to Ballymaloe House and Cookery School and free range turkeys at Christmas that she sold to the public. Her brother Robert is the owner of East Ferry free range, producing poultry which are certified by Good Food Ireland and he is one of Annie’s suppliers.

Annie has completed the National Hygiene Partnership Management of Food Hygiene Course.

Annie also offers complimentary products such as marinades and dressings and hopes to branch out into cooking local quality assured meat as the market demands.

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In 1996, Leahy’s Open Farm opened its doors to the public showing off what owners, Eddie and Eileen had collected over the years. They were surprised by the amount of interest shown by the public visiting the farm. They built a coffee shop so that Eileen could bake some of her home baking which was served with teas and coffees.  They contacted SECAD at this stage for advice on how to proceed further with their ambitions for the open farm. “The help and advice received was of huge importance at that stage as we did not know how to set up a Business Plan for the future, how to formulate financial projections, how to estimate visitor numbers or how to go about setting up a long term plan of what we wanted to achieve. Since then we have completed at least 5 or 6 applications for funding and we have had no problems at all with the process. To date the support, advice and funding received through SECAD has been fundamental to the development of the farm.”

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In 1996, Leahy’s Open Farm opened its doors to the public showing off what owners, Eddie and Eileen had collected over the years. They were surprised by the amount of interest shown by the public visiting the farm. They built a coffee shop so that Eileen could bake some of her home baking which was served with teas and coffees.  They contacted SECAD at this stage for advice on how to proceed further with their ambitions for the open farm. “The help and advice received was of huge importance at that stage as we did not know how to set up a Business Plan for the future, how to formulate financial projections, how to estimate visitor numbers or how to go about setting up a long term plan of what we wanted to achieve. Since then we have completed at least 5 or 6 applications for funding and we have had no problems at all with the process. To date the support, advice and funding received through SECAD has been fundamental to the development of the farm.”

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The Twomey family recognised that there was a gap in the market for freshly prepared high quality salads and therefore made the decision to sell a selection of fresh salads from their East Cork premises. In 1998 the family launched Farm Fresh Foods. SECAD funded a purpose-built production facility on the family farm.

The manager of farm Fresh Homemade Foods is Mr Pa Twomey and the company currently has a team of four staff members. Farm Fresh Homemade Foods distribute their products to retailers including a select range of SuperValu and Centra stores. They also supply fres salads to the catering trade.

“SECAD have played a vital supporting role in the growth of this business. Due to the assistance and funding received from SECAD, Farm Fresh Foods were able to reach new markets and expand as a business. The business is now thriving within a highly competitive market and SECAD have played a fundamental role in the support of Farm Fresh Foods in all their endeavours”.

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The Twomey family recognised that there was a gap in the market for freshly prepared high quality salads and therefore made the decision to sell a selection of fresh salads from their East Cork premises. In 1998 the family launched Farm Fresh Foods. SECAD funded a purpose-built production facility on the family farm.

The manager of farm Fresh Homemade Foods is Mr Pa Twomey and the company currently has a team of four staff members. Farm Fresh Homemade Foods distribute their products to retailers including a select range of SuperValu and Centra stores. They also supply fres salads to the catering trade.

“SECAD have played a vital supporting role in the growth of this business. Due to the assistance and funding received from SECAD, Farm Fresh Foods were able to reach new markets and expand as a business. The business is now thriving within a highly competitive market and SECAD have played a fundamental role in the support of Farm Fresh Foods in all their endeavours”.

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Skills shortage is a risk for South & East Cork Area Competitiveness.

Cork, 27 October 2011 – SECAD, the South and East Cork Area Development organisation, announced the findings of its Survey of Employment Opportunities and Training Needs in Cork today.

The report clearly identified the need for an increase in skills profiles within companies in order to remain competitive and to create jobs in this Region in the future.  The report also identified future skills required by sector in South and East Cork.

SECAD Chairperson, John Horgan, noted that the results of SECAD Survey of Employment Opportunities and Training Needs “identified that creating close and positive links between skills and training are now more important than ever if people are going to access the local employment opportunities.  To remain competitive in the global market, skills profiles must continue to increase.  Courses must lead to qualifications that are recognised and valued by employers”.

Minister for Research & Innovation, Mr. Sean Sherlock, T.D. praised SECAD for undertaking this survey, as part of their strategy to help those seeking employment in South and East Cork.

“I am very conscious and very encouraged by this survey which has the potential to communicate quality and timely information to a wide range of people, including employers, trainers, students and jobseekers. It will be an invaluable information source for students and jobseekers making choices of study and training during these difficult times,” he said.

“The Department of Education and Skills is committed to ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to acquire the relevant necessary education, training and skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. I am pleased that the Department already provides a wide range of very relevant training and education programmes in the SECAD area,” added Minister Sherlock.

The report highlighted that the requirement for an increase in skills was particularly evident in certain sectors including pharmaceutical and biopharma, ICT and business and financial services.

• With 8 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies located in the South & East Cork, there is an identified need for people with engineering, scientific, technician and purchasing skills, and an increased demand for those qualified to Masters and PhD level.
• While the ICT sector has been an area of sustained economic and employment growth, there has been a sustained shortage of software engineers, computer analysts and programmers.  Recent shortages, highlighted by the SECAD survey, include computer systems managers, IT professionals with managerial skills, and R&D design professionals.
• In the area of business and financial services, there is an identified long-term need to develop people with high-level mathematical skills.  These skills are critical in areas such as actuarial science and quantitative finance and other specialist and technical skills in areas such as regulation, compliance and risk management.

The SECAD report also noted that there are opportunities in the food, beverage, agri-food sector and farming in the area. However increasing skills in the agri-food sector will be vital and increased competitiveness is key to capture the potential for dairying in the Region:

• The food and beverage sector is performing well, and continues to provide sustainable employment.  While traditionally the sector would have employed predominantly (62%) low or no level of formal 2^nd level education, the report highlights a strong increase in the numbers employed in this sector with 3^rd and 4^th level qualifications.
• Farming and particularly dairying continues to be a significant contributor to the local economy. The future for dairy farming and the agri-sector can be seen positively given the current strong world demand for dairy products, and the possibility for expansion here exists.  However, competitiveness for local farmers is an issue, and innovation and increased scale will be key to improve profit and further increase the competitiveness of milk production.

The survey research was also aimed at identifying economic sectors that could demonstrate employment growth in the current difficult economic climate.  The SECAD report identified a number of growth sectors, including:

q   Green Economy, including renewable energies, eco-Construction, wastewater treatment and Green ICT applications/software expertise;

q   Biopharma, Pharmachemical, and Medical Devices Sectors;

q   ICT sector;

q   Food and Beverages; and

q   Agriculture and Agri-Food Sectors.

The report also identifies that along with professional expertise, demand for generic skills such as problem solving, analytical skills, maths, computing, self-management, linguistic skills, team working, marketing and communications skills is increasing.

The report concludes by noting that the key challenge for the future is to support people into ‘pathway’ courses which will enable them to access employment opportunities or the ability to proceed to further education.   Skill matching with growth areas is of vital importance to ensure competitiveness.

However, the challenges are considerable, and include the lack of awareness of employers at the present time of the availability of courses, and the fact that jobseekers may not be aware of the sectors with current or emerging opportunities.   To address these issues, the report identifies that training and education providers in the area, and SECAD, should work together in partnership.

Also, a ‘South and East Cork Adult Education Network’ should be established to act as a focal point for coordinating adult and continuing education in the SECAD Area.

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Skills shortage is a risk for South & East Cork Area Competitiveness.

Cork, 27 October 2011 – SECAD, the South and East Cork Area Development organisation, announced the findings of its Survey of Employment Opportunities and Training Needs in Cork today.

The report clearly identified the need for an increase in skills profiles within companies in order to remain competitive and to create jobs in this Region in the future.  The report also identified future skills required by sector in South and East Cork.

SECAD Chairperson, John Horgan, noted that the results of SECAD Survey of Employment Opportunities and Training Needs “identified that creating close and positive links between skills and training are now more important than ever if people are going to access the local employment opportunities.  To remain competitive in the global market, skills profiles must continue to increase.  Courses must lead to qualifications that are recognised and valued by employers”.

Minister for Research & Innovation, Mr. Sean Sherlock, T.D. praised SECAD for undertaking this survey, as part of their strategy to help those seeking employment in South and East Cork.

“I am very conscious and very encouraged by this survey which has the potential to communicate quality and timely information to a wide range of people, including employers, trainers, students and jobseekers. It will be an invaluable information source for students and jobseekers making choices of study and training during these difficult times,” he said.

“The Department of Education and Skills is committed to ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to acquire the relevant necessary education, training and skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow. I am pleased that the Department already provides a wide range of very relevant training and education programmes in the SECAD area,” added Minister Sherlock.

The report highlighted that the requirement for an increase in skills was particularly evident in certain sectors including pharmaceutical and biopharma, ICT and business and financial services.

• With 8 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies located in the South & East Cork, there is an identified need for people with engineering, scientific, technician and purchasing skills, and an increased demand for those qualified to Masters and PhD level.
• While the ICT sector has been an area of sustained economic and employment growth, there has been a sustained shortage of software engineers, computer analysts and programmers.  Recent shortages, highlighted by the SECAD survey, include computer systems managers, IT professionals with managerial skills, and R&D design professionals.
• In the area of business and financial services, there is an identified long-term need to develop people with high-level mathematical skills.  These skills are critical in areas such as actuarial science and quantitative finance and other specialist and technical skills in areas such as regulation, compliance and risk management.

The SECAD report also noted that there are opportunities in the food, beverage, agri-food sector and farming in the area. However increasing skills in the agri-food sector will be vital and increased competitiveness is key to capture the potential for dairying in the Region:

• The food and beverage sector is performing well, and continues to provide sustainable employment.  While traditionally the sector would have employed predominantly (62%) low or no level of formal 2^nd level education, the report highlights a strong increase in the numbers employed in this sector with 3^rd and 4^th level qualifications.
• Farming and particularly dairying continues to be a significant contributor to the local economy. The future for dairy farming and the agri-sector can be seen positively given the current strong world demand for dairy products, and the possibility for expansion here exists.  However, competitiveness for local farmers is an issue, and innovation and increased scale will be key to improve profit and further increase the competitiveness of milk production.

The survey research was also aimed at identifying economic sectors that could demonstrate employment growth in the current difficult economic climate.  The SECAD report identified a number of growth sectors, including:

q   Green Economy, including renewable energies, eco-Construction, wastewater treatment and Green ICT applications/software expertise;

q   Biopharma, Pharmachemical, and Medical Devices Sectors;

q   ICT sector;

q   Food and Beverages; and

q   Agriculture and Agri-Food Sectors.

The report also identifies that along with professional expertise, demand for generic skills such as problem solving, analytical skills, maths, computing, self-management, linguistic skills, team working, marketing and communications skills is increasing.

The report concludes by noting that the key challenge for the future is to support people into ‘pathway’ courses which will enable them to access employment opportunities or the ability to proceed to further education.   Skill matching with growth areas is of vital importance to ensure competitiveness.

However, the challenges are considerable, and include the lack of awareness of employers at the present time of the availability of courses, and the fact that jobseekers may not be aware of the sectors with current or emerging opportunities.   To address these issues, the report identifies that training and education providers in the area, and SECAD, should work together in partnership.

Also, a ‘South and East Cork Adult Education Network’ should be established to act as a focal point for coordinating adult and continuing education in the SECAD Area.

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SECAD Calls for new Applications for Funding to support job creation in South and East Cork

The South and East Cork Area Development organisation, SECAD, has called for new applications for funding from enterprises in the South and East Cork area.   Qualifying businesses can receive financial support of up to €150,000, as well as training, mentoring and other non-financial business support.

“Since 2010 SECAD has paid out €1.26 million euros in funding to enterprises in the region, and an additional €636,000 has been committed and will be drawn down in the coming months,” said Ryan Howard, CEO, SECAD.  “We are actively supporting small and micro businesses to create sustainable jobs in the South and East Cork area and we currently have funding available for enterprises meeting the criteria”, Howard added.

A wide range of businesses can benefit from this funding opportunity, particularly those in the craft and tourism sector, as well as certain food products, innovation and agri-diversification projects.

Enterprises such as Farm Fresh Foods, Movie Junction, Keohane’s Seafood, Annie’s Roasts, Leahys Open Farm and the new Titanic Experience have received funding from SECAD to support sustainable job creation in the region.

The funding, which is provided under the EU Initiative for Rural Development, combines EU funding and Irish Exchequer funding to support job creation and business development in rural areas.

“SECAD have played a vital role in supporting the growth of Farm Fresh Foods.  Due to the assistance and funding received, we were able to reach new markets and expand our business in line with our ambitious and aggressive growth strategy” said Mr. Pa Twomey, Managing Director of Farm Fresh Foods based in Carrigtwohill.

While certain criteria must be met, the SECAD team will be on hand to assist and provide information and support in relation to this funding opportunity.  Interested parties, enteprises and start-ups seeking support should contact SECAD on 021.4613432 or email info@secad.ie.

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SECAD Calls for new Applications for Funding to support job creation in South and East Cork

The South and East Cork Area Development organisation, SECAD, has called for new applications for funding from enterprises in the South and East Cork area.   Qualifying businesses can receive financial support of up to €150,000, as well as training, mentoring and other non-financial business support.

“Since 2010 SECAD has paid out €1.26 million euros in funding to enterprises in the region, and an additional €636,000 has been committed and will be drawn down in the coming months,” said Ryan Howard, CEO, SECAD.  “We are actively supporting small and micro businesses to create sustainable jobs in the South and East Cork area and we currently have funding available for enterprises meeting the criteria”, Howard added.

A wide range of businesses can benefit from this funding opportunity, particularly those in the craft and tourism sector, as well as certain food products, innovation and agri-diversification projects.

Enterprises such as Farm Fresh Foods, Movie Junction, Keohane’s Seafood, Annie’s Roasts, Leahys Open Farm and the new Titanic Experience have received funding from SECAD to support sustainable job creation in the region.

The funding, which is provided under the EU Initiative for Rural Development, combines EU funding and Irish Exchequer funding to support job creation and business development in rural areas.

“SECAD have played a vital role in supporting the growth of Farm Fresh Foods.  Due to the assistance and funding received, we were able to reach new markets and expand our business in line with our ambitious and aggressive growth strategy” said Mr. Pa Twomey, Managing Director of Farm Fresh Foods based in Carrigtwohill.

While certain criteria must be met, the SECAD team will be on hand to assist and provide information and support in relation to this funding opportunity.  Interested parties, enteprises and start-ups seeking support should contact SECAD on 021.4613432 or email info@secad.ie.

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