STIMULATING AND SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESS IN IRELAND

Gilligans Farm Fresh Meats scoops JFC Innovation Award

By James Donlon, March 19, 2007

There were celebrations in Roscommon this week as local family owned food company – Gilligan’s Farm Fresh Meats scooped the Top Award in the Value Added Food Category in the prestigious JFC Innovation Awards. The JFC Innovation Awards for Rural Business is a new award scheme aimed at innovative business located in the rural community.

Supported by WESTBIC and Mid-South Roscommon LEADER through the Local Food Programme in County Roscommon, Gilligans were nominated for their new value-added tray-packed meat range, which is promoted under the new Gilligan’s Local Food brand and logo. As a result Gilligans will receive a cash prize and complementary advertising, mentoring and business support.

Reacting to the win, Padraic Gilligan of Gilligan’s Farm Fresh Meats said, “We are delighted with the win and appreciate all the support we have received which has helped us get to this stage”. Gilligan’s was short listed from 69 applicants down to 12 finalists which attended the Awards Ceremony in the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone.

WESTBIC provided business planning support for the expansion of this farm-based enterprise into the value-added meats sector. Additionlly mentoring support was provided through the Local Food programme aimed at developing a distinctive and marketable brand, whilst maintaining the core values of this locally produced food business.

Another WESTBIC client, Greengrove Wood Energy was also a short listed finalist in the competition, reflecting the quality and innovative nature of their new wood-energy business.