Midlands business success story outlined at AIB seminar

Members of the Midlands business community gathered in Athlone last week for a seminar hosted by Allied Irish Banks. The event, organised by AIB's Midlands Business Centre, took place in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel and heard an AIB customer outline details of his company's growth and development. Gerard Cleary of Offaly-based agri-food company Glenisk explained how Ireland could also benefit from the potential growth in the agri-food sector worldwide. He voiced predictions that the world's population would boom from 6.8 billion people now to 9.3 billion in 2050. This population growth, in tandem with a loss of land (it's estimated that one hectare is lost worldwide every 7.7 seconds), would ensure the production of food was a crucial He added that Ireland's grass-based agri-food industry would be likely to have a competitive advantage over other countries which depended on grain in the years ahead. However, he stressed there was a need for companies in the agri-food industry in Ireland to collaborate. Glenisk, which is based in Killeigh outside Tullamore, was established in 1986 by Gerard's father. Gerard and his three brothers took over the business in 1995 but insisted on maintaining the philosophy of developing a quality product with no additives or preservatives, which had been initiated by their father, However, as years went by, some larger agri-food businesses began to concentrate on a similar market - and Glenisk needed to diversify. At the turn of the last century, based partially on market research, Glenisk moved into the organic food market. Cleary admitted they were helped by a number of food scares in the early years of the last decade, including BSE, Foot and Mouth and concerns over dioxins. At present, Glenisk employs 41 people and was listed at No 79 in Ireland's top 100 brands by Check Out magazine last year. The company has focused on developing a loyalty between itself and customers. It is known for innovative marketing and advertising strategies. However, there is still room to grow as Cleary pointed out that 73% of all yoghurt consumed in Ireland is produced outside the country. He added that Glenisk was also moving into manufacturing private label products for supermarkets. He said it was estimated that within five years 40% of all products bought in supermarkets would be a private label offering. The seminar was also addressed by John O'Callaghan, Partner Audit with BDO who outlined how businesses could begin to plan for future growth. The results of a customer service study conducted by AIB was revealed by Midlands Business Centre head Dermot Ryan. The survey revealed, amongst other findings, that business customers wanted proactive and stable relationship managers, local decision making and better availability of credit. The bank has committed in the Midlands to five key responses including building a closer relationship with business customers and a focus on resolving complaints fairly and quickly. Mr Ryan also stressed that the bank was continuing to provide credit to viable businesses. Earlier, whilst opening the proceedings, he expressed regret on behalf of the bank for the impact of past decisions, on customers, staff, shareholders and the Irish taxpayer. He said the capital injected into the bank by the taxpayer was "essential in order for us to survive and to go forward into the future".