Learning Hub Module information

Find course descriptor, resources and learning outcomes for each of the modules

Module 1: Investigating your seafood business idea Module 1: Investigating your seafood business idea

Trainer: James Burke, James Burke & Associates
Guest Speaker: 

 

 Margaret Hoctor, senior business executive turned farmer and stall holder (https://kilmullenfarm.ie)
Descriptor: This first course will focus on the finding the right idea that will deliver commercial results, and will set out the steps on how to successfully research your future business idea. New seafood focused revenue areas will also be discussed.

 

Margaret Hoctor will share her story of creating a successful food business when she lost her job, and the steps she took to get there. Often described as inspirational and motivating by audiences, Margaret will share her food journey and tips.   ​​​​​​​
Learning Outcomes: On completing this module the fisher will understand:

  •  Opening and introduction
  •  Ensuring you have the right product, can identify   market gaps and crowded categories
  •   Researching your idea to ensure maximum     chance  of success
  •   Exploring possible routes to market
  •   Understanding local food culture
  •   Seafood and tourism opportunities
  •   Exploring the basic tools to get started
Resources: Download SWOT resource here
Videos: View Module 1 here

 

Module 2: Updating your seafood business plan Module 2: Updating your seafood business plan

Trainer: James Burke, James Burke & Associates
Descriptor: This second course will build on learnings from the first session (Module 1). It will focus on updating your business plan to reflect your new business ideas, and ensuring you have a robust roadmap that will support a commercially viable business.​​​​​​​
Learning Outcomes: On completing this module the fisher will understand:

  • Setting your objective/vision
  • Determining the product range and your route to market
  • Understanding your business model – sourcing/outsourcing/manufacturing
  • Identifying your USP/Point of difference
  • Pinpointing your target market
  • Understanding financing/budget
  • What staffing will the business model support
  • Creating and building a brand
  • Signposting to supports available
Resources: Download your business plan template here
Videos: View Module 2 here

Module 3: Alternative market opportunities for your inshore catch Module 3: Alternative market opportunities for your inshore catch

Trainers: Brenda O Riordan, BIM Regional Development Officer South

Declan Nee, BIM Regional Development Officer Northwest
Descriptor: Historically the inshore sector in Ireland exported approximately 90% of its catch. Brexit has disrupted this pattern as UK markets are now more complicated to access. In contrast the Irish domestic market for fish and shellfish has grown with more Irish people than ever before buying and eating Irish seafood products. This represents one of a number of new markets for inshore fishers to exploit and this module aims to inform fishers on these alternative markets, how they can access and exploit them and how to sell their catch direct to consumers.

 

The course will explain the legal obligations for accessing these markets and the help and additional training that exists to allow fishers businesses to meet these obligations. Lastly, the course will demonstrate the positive benefits to inshore fishermen of exploring these alternative markets versus continuing to supply to a traditional market which has been severely impacted by the effects of Brexit.
Learning Outcomes: On completing this module the fisher will understand:

  • How Brexit has impacted Irish seafood markets
  • The legal and practical requirements for selling their catch directly to consumers
  • The legal and practical requirements for setting up a small retail business for farmers markets etc
  • The legal and practical requirements for setting up a facility to add value to their catch such as cooking or filleting
  • The market opportunities that are provided by having individual or group facilities such as cold stores or live holding units
  • Where to get further information, training and support
Videos: View Module 3 Part 1 here

View Module 3 Part 2 here

Module 4: Understanding your market and maximising the return from your inshore catch Module 4: Understanding your market and maximising the return from your inshore catch

Trainers: Frances O’Dwyer, BIM Resource Development Officer North

John Hickey, BIM Regional Development Officer Southeast
Descriptor: Work carried out by BIM has shown that inshore fishers frequently lack an in depth understanding of their markets, species market requirements and potential opportunities to maximise the return from their catch. With traditional markets in flux following Brexit, the inshore sector has an urgent need for such market insights.

 

This module will provide the inshore sector with an overview of the market for the major inshore species, their market requirements and the characteristics of good and bad product. It will provide information on how inshore fishers can maintain and improve the quality of product provided to the market and the economic benefits from doing so.

 

The course will provide examples of price differentials between product that meets the needs of the market with product that do not and will provide the inshore sector with sources for further help and expertise to meet these requirements.
Learning Outcomes: On completing this module the fisher will understand:

  • What is the market for the main inshore species
  • What the typical market patterns are for the main inshore species
  • What the market requirements are for the main inshore species and how to meet them
  • The potential market opportunities and how to maximise returns
  • What financial support is available for upgrading your business to exploit new markets
  • Where to get further information, training and support
Videos: View Module 4 Part 1 here

View Module 4 Part 2 here

Module 5: Digital Skills for Inshore Fishing Businesses Module 5: Digital Skills for Inshore Fishing Businesses

Trainer: Joanne Sweeney, Digital Training Institute
Descriptor: In recent years there has been a huge move towards digitisation of many aspects of our lives. From the way we do business, to how we access services and supports, it can now be undertaken online

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It is critical that seafood businesses and operators are familiar and comfortable with this subject.

 

This module covers a range of practical content to build participants digital skills, and the opportunities that digital skills can bring to you and your business.
Learning Outcomes: On completing this module the fisher will understand:

  • How to navigate the Internet as a small business owner in the inshore fishing industry
  • The digital customer journey, how to reach your customers directly with relevant sectoral examples
  • The role of social media and how each social network can be used
  • The role of Google to attract customers
  • Email marketing to drive sales
  • The business toolbox to promote and trade online, how your Smartphone can play the biggest role when starting off
Videos: View Module 5 Part 1 here

View Module 5 Part 2 here

View Module 5 Part 3 here