Awards just keep on coming for Downpatrick firm Finnebrogue with yet another gold gong

10 July 2024

FINNEBROGUE has added another prestigious award to its impressive range of glittering accolades.

The Downpatrick company has made history by becoming the first food producer in Northern Ireland to win the coveted Grocer Gold Award twice.

Finnebrogue was named inaugural 'employer of the year (Supplier)' at the 2024 Grocer Gold Awards held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London in recognition of outstanding performance, innovation and excellence.

And the accolade for the award-winning Finnebrogue positions it in esteemed company, having triumphed over competitors such as Arla, Glanbia, Heck, and Heul.

Hosted by Myleene Klass, the glittering ceremony celebrated 34 winners, with Sainsbury’s securing the ultimate Grocer of the Year award.

Finnebrogue’s win is particularly noteworthy as it is the only food producer from Northern Ireland to receive the employer of the year honour two years after it scooped Grocer Gold award in 2022 for Sustainability Initiative of the Year, in partnership with Waitrose.

The local firm’s head of Human Resources, Chris Overend, said the latest award underscores the transformative journey Finnebrogue has embarked upon over the past two years with its renewed People Strategy.

“It has become an industry benchmark, following accolades at the Irish News Workplace Awards for ‘Best Place to Work’ and ‘Best Wellbeing in the Workplace’ for two years in a row,” he said.

Finnebrogue’s People Strategy is distinguished by its comprehensive career pathways and development opportunities, emphasising talent development and personal wellbeing.

Mr Overend added: “Winning Employer of the Year at the Grocer Gold Awards is a testament to our steadfast commitment to our people. Our focus on development, diversity and wellbeing sets a standard for excellence in the industry.

“This award is not just a recognition of our past efforts, but a motivation to push further in creating innovative, supportive, and inclusive workplace practices that will drive our future success.”

Key highlights of Finnebrogue's journey include Academic and Professional Development featuring collaborations with Queen's University and other professional bodies which have enriched employee development, offering academic qualifications and professional certifications aligned with industry demands.

The Executive Future Leadership Programme with Toward Ltd is nurturing Finnebrogue’s next generation of leaders.

The recent appointment of Bev Mitchell as chief commercial officer marks a milestone in promoting diversity as she is the first female executive member at Finnebrogue while the Returners Programme, launched last year, supports individuals re-entering the workforce with phased returns and mentorship, ensuring a smooth transition.

An Ability Programme currently in development, collaborates with charities to create employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities while the so-called Employee Voice through the Finnebrogue Forum empowers employees to influence business decisions through elected representatives.

Since early last year, Finnebrogue has partnered with Insula Wellbeing to provide on-site mental health support, including confidential one-two-one counselling for employees on day and night shift, with Finnebrogue’s commitment of support extending to local schools and community groups, while also fostering talent development and future workforce growth through learning and development initiatives.

And the establishment of the Wellbeing and Development Hub has created a dynamic space for training, mentoring, and wellbeing activities, embodying Finnebrogue’s holistic approach to employee development.

These initiatives have culminated in Finnebrogue achieving Diversity Mark Accreditation in early 2024, making it the first UK food producer to receive such recognition.

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