Balmoral Show announces Five Platinum Sponsors
The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank today announced five companies as platinum sponsors of the 2012 event.
The platinum sponsors include; Marks & Spencer sponsoring the Beef Pairs Championship, the Beef Junior Champion of Champions and the Aberdeen Angus cattle section; Northern Bank sponsoring the sheep section; Vodafone NI sponsoring the International Show Jumping Grand Prix; Henderson Wholesale (SPAR) sponsoring the main arena attraction and Tesco who have increased their sponsorship presence at the Show to include the Schools’ Trail, Commercial Cattle and Charolais Beef have joined the prestigious ranks of platinum sponsorship.
Speaking at the platinum sponsors breakfast, Colin McDonald, RUAS Chief Executive, said, “It is very encouraging to see these five successful companies involved with the Balmoral Show. Some of these sponsorships have been ongoing for a number of years, while others are more recent. This demonstrates how highly respected the Show is and the value these companies put on their relationship with it. We want to thank them for their dedication and support which is extremely important to its success. ”
John Henning, Head of Agricultural Relations at Northern Bank said, “Northern Bank is a long-standing sponsor and trade exhibitor at the Balmoral Show and will continue to support the popular sheep section as a platinum sponsor in 2012. We have a straightforward approach to sponsorship at Balmoral Show, just like our approach to banking, and continue to focus on building relationships with the RUAS and exhibitors during this important agri-food event. We are delighted that our support continues to encourage sheep exhibitors from across Northern Ireland and further afield to present their livestock at the Show thereby promoting both their own flocks and the wider agricultural industry. We recently re-established Agribusiness as a distinct segment within Northern Bank emphasising the importance of this sector to us and many of our dedicated team of Agribusiness Managers will be at the show and look forward to welcoming visitors to our Pavilion in the Showgrounds.”
Conrad Digan, Head of Selling & Marketing for M&S Ireland said: “Marks & Spencer is delighted to once again be supporting the Balmoral Show in this our tenth consecutive year as a platinum sponsor.
M&S has always led the field in its support for Northern Ireland agriculture and the Balmoral Show is the perfect venue for meeting the many farmers and growers we do business with throughout the year. The direct contact with key markets enables us to sustain our innovative approach to retailing and to continue to exceed customers’ expectations.
We will once again be sponsoring the beef cattle classes and working with our key farmers and growers, we will be highlighting the specialists who bring the best of regional food to our 18 stores here every week.
Our pavilion will showcase the fascinating stories behind many M&S products and visitors will also be able to see live demonstrations, sample our delicious regional produce, witness our passion for quality and innovation and discover the extraordinary lengths we go to, to bring them our fantastic food. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our show stand in May.”
Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Wholesale (SPAR) said: “SPAR is delighted to once again be supporting the Balmoral Show as a platinum sponsor. The Balmoral Show is a fantastic platform for local producers and enables them to showcase their latest innovations to the marketplace. It also allows long-standing organisations the chance to highlight their consistent and enduring level of quality.
SPAR, which recently celebrated its 50th year in Northern Ireland serving local communities, has been a firm supporter of local suppliers and producers throughout this time and as a Group, our key focus for 2012 is to continue to grow our fresh local produce credentials. We already work extremely close with local suppliers across Northern Ireland and actively promote their products across our stores. Given the current economic climate, it now more than ever, vital we invest in local farmers, suppliers and communities, in order to harness innovation and excellence within Northern Ireland.”
Clare Dunnion, Marketing Manager with Vodafone Northern Ireland said, “Vodafone Northern Ireland is delighted to be a platinum sponsor of the Balmoral Show once again this year and to continue our sponsorship of the International Show Jumping Grand Prix.
The show is a great fit for Vodafone as we work hard to be a true partner to agriculture in Northern Ireland and supply the sector with innovative total communications solutions tailored to meet their needs. I am sure that this year’s Show will be another big success with the enormous support it receives from everyone all around Northern Ireland, both inside and outside the agri business.”
Cliff Kells, Commercial Manager, Tesco said, “Since arriving in Northern Ireland, Tesco has and will continue to increase the value of its local sourcing, from £50m in 1997 to over £520m today.
Balmoral Show continues to be a key event for Tesco in the year, because we purchase from producers and farmers across various food categories including beef, pork, lamb, poultry and produce. Our participation in this year’s show as a platinum sponsor reflects our intention to broaden our engagement with the local food economy. Our continued sponsorship of Schools Trail hopes to raise awareness among children of the importance of the agri-economy.
Our sponsorship of beef classes for the first time and our continuing Northern Ireland’s Best Steak competition enable us to connect with local beef farmers. Our participation in Food Promotion Northern Ireland’s marquee this year reflects our decision to provide opportunities to more food producers including artisans to develop their businesses with Tesco.”
The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank runs from 16th – 18th May and is open from 8.30am – 8.00pm daily. For more information on the Show visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk or call 028 9066 5225.
