Full Circle has significant expertise in the field of supply chain development and has delivered a large number of major projects in this field in recent years. These include the development, delivery and management of the highly successful DARD Supply Chain Management Initiative.
This involved working with clusters within the agricultural sector to assist them to exploit supply chain opportunities. One example of this was the work carried out with the Fruit Industry Federation [FIF], an umbrella group representing the interests of the Armagh Bramley Apple industry. Full Circle worked with FIF to recruit representatives of Bramley apple growers, packers and processors and to then develop a single strategy to develop skills, exploit commercial opportunities and facilitate a joint marketing campaign – both nationally and internationally. As a result of this project, FIF has applied for EU Protection of Geographical Indication [PGI] status on behalf of the Armagh Bramley apple industry and, if successful, will be the 1st organisation in Northern Ireland to secure this.
We have also recently completed a major project on the aerospace supply chain for Invest NI. This project incorporated a wide range of Invest NI clients from very small precision engineering businesses to major employers such as Bombardier Shorts, Langford Lodge and Thales Air Defence Ltd.
The aim of the exercise was to establish the level of interest in the establishment of an aerospace cluster whose role would be to promote the interests of Northern Ireland companies in the national and international aerospace supply chain. The conclusion from this project was that there is a significant interest in this and Invest NI is currently exploring a number of options in terms of how this cluster idea can be taken forward.