Medium-sized food and drink companies are to get another chance to access tailor-made mentoring and support, as Bord Bia and PwC today announced they want applications for this year’s Ascent programme.

The second year of the Ascent programme is targeted at companies with a need for support to identify and overcome obstacles to growth. Some of this year’s advice and service offerings include accessing finance, route-to-market planning, strategy development and business restructuring.

According to Maria Stokes of Bord Bia, each of last year’s participants benefited. “Each had a unique challenge to overcome from distribution and logistics to succession planning and export growth strategies. Through one-to-one advice and mentoring from Bord Bia and PwC, the companies were provided with a customised action plan outlining clear workable solutions.”

Best Mentors

Pauline Dunne from Killowen Farm, who participated in the programme, said it more than exceeded her expectations. “The Ascent mentors were the best we ever had in the company. They understood the business challenges very quickly and they dealt with issues head on. The objectives set were met in full, and it gave us the insight to make strategic decisions that has set Killowen on a new growth phase. As a direct result of the programme, we have reviewed our financial planning and managed to cut one day out of the production week, improving our financial efficiencies by 10%.”

Maxine Hyde of Ballymaloe Foods said that PwC had come up with excellent advice on succession planning, tax, affording and incentivising key employees. “As a result of the programme, we employed a new business development manager and to date we have achieved 12% growth year on year,” she added.

In Association with

PwC will continue to assist in terms of the initial diagnostic, problem-solving sessions and the mentoring where appropriate, said partner John Dunne of the accountancy firm.

Applications opened today for companies interested in joining this year’s programme. Applicants should have an annual turnover between €1 and €20m. The deadline is Wednesday, March 30.

Photo: L-R Pauline Dunne, Killowen Farm; John Dunne, PwC; Maria Stokes, Ascent Programme manager; and Maxine Hyde, Ballymaloe. (Pic: Gary O'Neill)