That’s according to Dr Patricia Moriarty, DkIT, who said,

“we were delighted to collaborate with the local enterprise offices in Louth and Meath to create this bespoke programme.”

The Level 7 Certificate in Applied Business Development for Food Tourism has attracted both start-ups and expanding producers in both the food and drink industries.

Among the businesses taking part are organic farmers and artisan bakers.

DkIT’s Strategic Plan commits the college to increasing its commitment and engagement with enterprise and the community and

“this accredited course is, I think, a happy marriage of both,”

Dr Moriarty added.

The course was officially launched during Local Enterprise Week.

Speaking at the launch Joe English of Meath LEO said,

“this is the first, it is what we are supposed to be doing; it is the Institutes’ delivery of what is needed by businesses on the ground. I think it is great.”

Dr Moriarty said the genesis for it was the launch of the Boyne Valley Food Strategy in October 2016 which,

“It includes the provision of training supports to new and existing businesses within the region.

“The Meath LEO team, through their ongoing monitoring and analysis of client needs, identified a gap for the provision of specific business training support to owners and managers within the regional food and tourism sector.”

“Following detailed discussions with the School of Business and Humanities, our new Level 7 Special Purpose Award in Applied Business Development for Food Tourism has been designed to fill this gap.”

The programme, which was oversubscribed, has a number of objectives as part of delivering an accredited qualification.

“The aim is to empower entrepreneurs in the food tourism sector in this region to strategically develop and grow their businesses.”

Importantly, participants will develop a strategic plan, which will be underpinned by very comprehensive marketing, digital marketing and an integrated marketing communications plan, as well as a human resource action plan, based on current best practice,”

Dr Moriarty explained.

To reflect the work life of participants it is delivered in the evening and at weekends and she said,

“it is testament to you, our entrepreneurs, that your dedication and desire to learn, has brought you here to study on this programme.”

Modules covered include strategic business planning, web analytics, digital marketing communications, customer experience management and human resources.

“The focus of these carefully chosen modules along with an applied pedagogical emphasis is a powerful and unique combination which will have a swift, positive impact in the delivery of the Boyne Valley Food Strategy,”

she concluded.

DkIT is currently accepting applications for the Certificate in Applied Business Development for Food Tourism.

For more information about this course and how to apply, please visit:

 Applied Business Development for Food Tourism

OR Contact

E: parttime@dkit.ie

Notes to editor:

About DkIT

Dundalk Institute of Technology  was founded in 1970 and has earned its reputation as the leading higher education provider in the North East of Ireland through its first-class teaching and learning, research and enterprise engagement.

Set in a state-of-the-art campus in Dundalk, County Louth, DkIT provides quality educational and training opportunities to approximately 5,000 students across four Schools in Business and Humanities, Health and Science, Engineering and Informatics and Creative Arts from undergraduate and master’s degrees to PhD level.

DkIT also offers a multitude of part-time academic and vocational courses to the North East community aimed at helping students to enhance career development and personal growth.

For more information on DkIT, please visit:

Dkit Website