Business News

Compass Group Ireland launches The Idea Works

By Business & Finance
18 May 2015
Idea Works

The search for new products and innovations for the food service industry is on as award winning chef Neven Maguire joins this year’s judging panel.

Following the success of last year, Compass Group Ireland today launched the second annual Idea Works, an initiative which encourages SMEs with cutting-edge products, solutions and applications that could be used in the foodservice, hospitality and facilities management industry to come forward. The initiative aims to find the best innovative new concepts and helps get them off the ground.

From today, companies across Ireland who believe they have a new or novel product to offer can submit their ‘winning’ concept. Compass Group Ireland will then shortlist the best ideas and invite those selected to pitch their big idea before a judging panel at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday 23rd July. If finalists get three yes votes from the judges, Compass Group Ireland will support them on the introduction of their idea to the Compass Group Ireland business and potentially to the wider market – opening up a wealth of opportunities.

This year’s judging panel comprises Mark Lee, commercial director, Compass Group Ireland; award winning TV chef, Neven Maguire; Maureen Gahan, Foodservice specialist, Bord Bia and Gillian Nelis, managing editor, Sunday Business Post.

Commenting on today’s launch, Mark Lee, commercial director, Compass Group Ireland said; “Last year we launched the first Idea Works in Ireland which proved to be a huge success. We were inundated with submissions which were both innovative and most importantly, relevant to our business. We are a food and support-services company so we welcome submissions of a food and non-food nature.

“The primary aim of Idea Works is to provide SME’s around Ireland with the opportunity to bring their foodservice related product or service to market with the support and resources of Compass Group Ireland. In the event that national distribution is a challenge for a small foodservice product provider, we can open up the entire Irish market to them through our central distribution platform. Similarly, our business in Ireland is part of a global network so we can make introductions to our international colleagues in the event that one of the successful applications has export ambitions. I am confident that this year’s search will uncover more amazing ideas that will help us further develop our client and consumer offer.”

Suppliers and businesses can register their interest in The Idea Works at www.compass-ideaworks.ie. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 1st July and shortlisted companies will be invited to pitch their idea on Thursday 23rd July.