South West Food & Drink Skills Network-Skills Day
The South West Food & Drink Skills Network was set up as a result of intensive research into the needs for basic skills within the food & drink industry.
It was discovered that there was a requirement for quality skills training support and that there needed to be a way of obtaining expertise in certain areas such as product development, supply chain mechanisms and management strategies. The Skills Day was the first of its kind in the South West and over 200 people attended this pioneering event.
A Duchy of Cornwall farm near to Cullompton provided a prestigious venue that brought speakers and exhibitors together with delegates from all over the South West. Large interlinking marquees were used which gave access to 3 distinct areas – AV presentations, dining and the exhibitor area - each with their own special requirements. Everything from car tracking to toilets, generators to kitchen equipment had to be delivered on site.
Posh Pig Promotions had just 2 months in which to organise and deliver the event and, in conjunction with the Skills Network team, contacted delegates, speakers, exhibitors, workshop providers and schools participating in the event to ensure that their particular requirements were met.
Floor plans were generated for the 3 giant marquees, guaranteeing that exhibitors had sufficient space, delegates could all be accommodated in the presentation marquee and everyone could sit down in the hospitality marquee.
An event highlight a delicious lunch created by local chef, Philip Watts, and his team; all produce was sourced locally and co-ordinated to mirror the ethos of South West Food and Drink. The Skills Day was a considerable success and a forerunner for possible future events.
Client Comments
With a short turnaround time and in an ever-changing marketplace, the Posh Pig team used their organisational skills to great effect in setting up this unique event. Personable and professional, the team worked alongside the Skills Network to create a hugely successful day, which showcased the comprehensive training resources available to the Food & Drink industry in the South West.
Dawn Neale, Regional Skills Manager
South West Food & Drink