Pictured above: (l-r) Operations Director Paul Ziolek (Oakland International), David McMahon (Sainsbury's), Steve Blackmore (Spar UK), Dean Attwell (Oakland International), Nick Green (Barbreeze), Liam Gilbert  (IGD), Blanche Armstrong (Sainsbury's) and Patrick Duffy (Kozy Shack)

Hosted by Midlands firm Oakland International and focusing on the UK retail market and the intricacies of supply chain integration, Irish producers and manufacturers attending the first in a series of retail seminars entitled 'Breaking into UK Retail' on Thursday 9th September at the Marriott Hotel in Ashbourne Co. Meath, have hailed it a complete success.

With speakers discussing with potential Irish exporters how to overcome perceived barriers when dealing with UK retailers, speakers at the event included: David McMahon from Sainsbury's buying team, Blanche Armstrong from Sainsbury's supply chain, Steve Blackmore SPAR UK's Logistics and Information Director and Liam Gilbert an IGD analyst.

Case studies were kindly supplied by Patrick Duffy from Kozy Shack and Bernard Coyle from Mr Crumb, both established Irish exporters. Nick Green of Barbreeze gave a broker's perspective on dealing with UK retailers with the event coming to a close following an in depth presentation by Oakland International on UK supply chain solutions.

With suppliers in Ireland recognised for having high quality products and viewed by the UK as a preferred 'local' country of origin, barriers to export from Ireland have primarily been supply chain costs and UK retail compliance. Oakland International UK MD Dean Attwell stated: "Feedback from the conference was extremely positive with suppliers, government officials and export agencies commenting on the well-rounded, all inclusive agenda which showed how to overcome the challenges of export to UK retail. Having successfully held this type of event in the UK Oakland is well-placed, understanding the UK retailer market as we do and able to support any Ireland-based producers wishing to explore the many UK opportunities available."

With industry's attention focused on supply chain efficiencies, gaining first-hand insight of the UK marketplace was viewed as a must for all Irish producers looking to work with UK retail. A well supported event, Oakland is now committed to holding a similar event in Cork this coming January.

For more information about Oakland International, please visit their website here: www.oakland-international.co.uk