WholeStory - An FWD podcast: Invest NI x Hendersons Foodservice

Trade between GB and NI has seen plenty of challenges since Brexit, and on our latest podcast, Michelle Charrington, from the Food Business Development Team at Invest NI, and Mark Stewart-Maunder, Commercial & Development Director at Henderson Foodservice, join James Bielby to discuss the topic in more detail. As one of the top three employers in NI, Henderson's moves 90% of products through the red lane, meaning speed to market is an issue. Six weeks to get their hands on cake is the current norm! Vet certification is also required for citrus fruits coming out of GB - the impact of these legislations is real, and as a result, 26% of products previously bought out of GB are now sourced in Europe.  While the pause on Not for EU Labelling has made it easier for trade, the challenge is on for the Goverrnment to support business growth. Invest NI is represented in 31 countries and offers new grant funding to allow suppliers to invest and boost productivity. While the pause on Not for EU Labelling has made it easier for trade, the challenge is on for the Goverrnment to support business growth. Invest NI is represented in 31 countries and offers new grant funding to allow suppliers to invest and boost productivity. Michelle cites collaboration and investment in tech as key for future success, and while we don't have a crystal ball, both agree that the food sector is extremely resilient.  Listen now.