Platinum Sponsors Launch

The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank held a breakfast this morning at the  King’s Hall Complex in recognition of its Platinum Sponsors and to thank them for their support of the Show which is vital to its success. 


The 2010 Platinum Sponsors are; John Thompson & Sons who sponsor the dairy cattle and poultry sections; Marks & Spencer who sponsor the Aberdeen Angus cattle section and the Beef Cattle Interbreed Pairs section; Northern Bank sponsor the sheep section and Vodafone NI are the sponsors of the International Show Jumping Grand Prix.


Speaking at the Platinum Sponsors breakfast, Gordon Donaldson, Sales Director, Thompson and Sons Ltd said “The future for NI food production depends on the local agri-food industry producing a quality product that the consumer demands.  Within this challenge, there are many critical steps through the supply chain from farm to fork.”


He added “John Thompson and Sons Ltd are producing unique feeds under the strictest quality controls to enable the agricultural industry to address this challenge. They are pleased to partner RUAS, and other major sponsors at Balmoral Show, to highlight the quality of our livestock and the uniqueness of local food production.


“The emphasis in future will not just be on the price of food, but also on food security, its health aspects, its carbon footprint and its unique qualities for specialised and niche markets.  Within this, it’s important the value is shared throughout the chain to ensure a profitable and vibrant agriculture industry in Northern Ireland”


Stewart Nisbet, M&S Head of Foods for Ireland said: "Marks & Spencer is delighted to once again be supporting the Balmoral Show as the event gives us a vital opportunity to demonstrate our support for the Northern Ireland agri sector and is also the perfect venue to meet face-to-face with the suppliers and producers we do business with throughout the year. This direct contact enables us to sustain our innovative approach to retailing and to continue to exceed customers’ expectations.


“Our customers are interested in how the M&S food ranges they buy are produced and working with our key suppliers, we will be highlighting the specialists who bring the best of local food to our stores every week, as well as giving customers the chance to sample the products themselves.


"Now in its eighth year, M&S’ continued sponsorship of the beef cattle classes alongside our partner processor Linden Foods, not only highlights our commitment to the RUAS but to the Northern Ireland agri industry as a whole.  We look forward to another successful Show and to welcoming everyone to our stand in May.”


Northern Banks Head of Agriculture John Henning said “"Northern Bank is delighted to again support the Balmoral Show as a Platinum Sponsor of the popular sheep section. We are proud of our long-standing, and unrivalled, sponsorship of the show and pleased that this major contribution to the event continues to provide 'generations of support & generations of smiles' to thousands of showgoers and exhibitors"


Pauline Quigley, Head of Vodafone Northern Ireland, said, "The partnership which Vodafone NI has with the Balmoral Show mirrors the relationship which we have with the agri business all over the country, supplying the sector with the most creative and up-to-date total communications solutions to benefit their business.   Vodafone is very proud of this relationship which has grown and prospered over a great many years.


Vodafone wishes the Show's organisers every success with this year's endeavours and looks forward to seeing another bumper crowd visit Balmoral from all around the country, from both inside and outside the agri business."


Rhonda Geary, RUAS Operations Director, added, “Each of the many Show’s sponsors are very important to us and we sincerely appreciate their support.  Today we are delighted to bring together our Platinum Sponsors to show our gratitude and acknowledge each of them as a major part of our success."


The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank runs from 12th – 14th May and is open daily from 8.30am – 8.00pm.  Online ticket booking is available at www.balmoralshow.co.uk.  For more information on the Show visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk or call 028 9066 5225.


 


ENDS


For further information on this release, please contact: Tracy O’Toole on 028 9066 5225 ext 225 or tracy@kingshall.co.uk



Click on the MS Word icon below to download this article in word document format, or click on any supporting thumbnails to download print resolution imagery.



Pictured at the Platinum Sponsors launch of the Balmoral Show (L to R) Stephen Bloomfield, Regional General Manager, Northern Bank, Susan Wilson, Vodafone NI Acting Marketing Manager, Robin Morrow, RUAS President, Gordon Donaldson, Sales Director, Thompson and Sons Ltd, Colin McDonald, Chief Executive, RUAS, Rosamond Bennett, Head of Communications, Northern Bank, and Stewart Nisbet, M&S Head of Foods for Ireland.

Colin McDonald, Chief Executive, RUAS with Rosamond Bennett, Head of Communications, Northern Bank, Stephen Bloomfield, Regional General Manager, Northern Bank and John Henning, Head of Agriculture, Northern Bank.   Northern Bank are the sponsors of the Sheep Section at Balmoral Show.

Susan Wilson, Vodafone NI Acting Marketing Manager and Rhonda Geary, RUAS Operations Director with the Chester Nugent Gold Cup.  This is presented to the winner of the Vodafone Grand Prix on the Friday of Balmoral Show.

Robin Morrow, RUAS President and Tracy O’Toole, RUAS Marketing Executive with Gordon Donaldson, Sales Director, Thompson and Sons Ltd, who sponsor the dairy cattle and poultry sections all three days of the Show.

BUY Tickets Kids Go Free