Description

The challenge seeks solutions based on a co-operative producer-led initiative, supported by the appropriate structures and processes to ensure its sustainability. Participation is expected from across the regional artisan food sector, with a suitable product range targeting complementary outlets.

It is anticipated that the project will feature a Central Warehousing Facility in the region, with storage for both ambient and chilled foods. However, the challenge owners welcome suggestions / solutions in terms of the project, including the possible use of Digital Technology to centrally manage the order creation, processing, despatch and invoicing on a collective, basis. 

A key aim of the proposal is to develop a suitable and sustainable regional model that may be replicable in other regions. This can result in the development of viable regional distribution hubs which may be linked and networked together to provide a more comprehensive approach in terms of market reach, sales and market potential for artisan food producers. The establishment of a robust regional partnership formula for use in the food sector, mainly in rural areas, can also prove useful in other sectors in community development, thereby ensuring other sustainable businesses which support the social and economic development of rural areas. These projects achieve much more than wealth creation, they are also about social connection, adding vibrancy to an area, and basically securing the viability and social fabric of every rural community.

Target

Co. Roscommon is centrally located in the West Region of Ireland and is the 9th largest county in
Ireland with a total population of 64,065. It has the third lowest population density in Ireland, revealing the relatively rural nature of the county. Given  its border with 7 counties, Roscommon has access to a wide hinterland with a population of 300,000 within a 60km radius.

It has the highest levels of employment in agri-food across the region, including a strong primary
processing sector, and a variety of artisan producers, with agri-food identified in the Co.
Roscommon Local Economic and Community Plan as a priority for development and
growth.

WestBIC has supported the development of food enterprises and projects over a number of years
at local, regional, national and international level.

Competencies

Roscommon LEO aim to promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups and develop existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation and to provide accessible high quality supports for entrepreneurs in Roscommon. 

In the West, Roscommon has the highest levels of employment in agri-food across the region,
including a strong primary processing sector, and a variety of artisan producers, with agri-food
identified in the Co. Roscommon Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) as a priority for
development and growth.

Roscommon LEO seeks solution providers (with related expertise) who can propose credible, innovative solutions to the challenge outlined above. They will consider a pilot study approach to the challenge.

The Roscommon LEO contact is Louise Ward, while initial queries will be dealt with by the local node (WestBIC / Ultan Faherty). James Donlon, of WestBICs Roscommon office and with experience of supporting food projects, will also support the process.

Innovation

Artisan producers across the region wish to develop a food distribution initiative on a collaborative basis to generate nationwide distribution capability at an affordable cost based on a producer-led model. 

The challenge seeks solutions, supported by the appropriate structures and processes to ensure sustainability. Participation is expected from across the regional artisan food sector, with a suitable product range targeting complementary outlets.

It is anticipated that the project will feature a Central Warehousing Facility in the region, with storage for both ambient and chilled foods. However, the challenge owners welcome suggestions, including the possible use of Digital Technology to centrally manage order creation, processing, despatch and invoicing on a collective basis

Commitment

Roscommon LEO promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups and develop existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation and to provide accessible high quality supports for entrepreneurs in County Roscommon. Roscommon LEO provides the local first-stop shop for new entrepreneurs and existing micro-enterprise and small business owners. It is ‘the front door’ through which all information on state supports for small and micro-businesses can be accessed and signposted and through which other supports and bodies with programmes relevant to small business as well as important local services and compliance requirements can be provided. Because of their mandate and expensive experience regarding this and related issues Roscommon LEO can:

• Provide information, data, insights and reports on the issue
• Provide connections / access to key stakeholders (businesses, incubators, community groups, schools, etc.), potential partners / investors
• In the case of a viable solution, potentially provide funding for wider implementation of the solution and possibly including the involvement of the SPs

Compliance

All solution providers will be expected to act ethically.