Did you know… Aldi has been ordered to redesign its proposed store plans in Knocknacarra by Galway City Council? According to local press reports, the original plans did not meet the “high quality and design” expected for a newly-developing district Centre. In addition, the council queried the need for another off-licence in the Knocknacarra and Rahoon area. Amendments requested by the council included recomending the blank façade facing onto the Distributor Road be enhanced “allowing the building to interact with the public realm” and to include design features such as a glazed curtain wall. The façade facing the link road is also to be redesigned and the freestanding Aldi signage is to be removed. Aldi has so far met the requests and agreed to supply a requested piece of artwork. Aldi had originally applied for planning for a 1,540 square metre single-storey discount foodstore with an off-licence and 96 parking spaces.
Did you know… The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is hosting a free ‘Small Food Business Start-Up Seminar’ in Galway? The seminar aims to help those working in small food businesses or those who are thinking of setting up a food business. The FSAI says that despite the economic downturn, there has been a 5% increase in the number of food businesses established in Ireland over the last five years, currently standing at over 46,000. Prof. Alan Reilly, Chief Executive, FSAI says of the Small Food Business Start-up Seminar: “Our aim is to reduce the barriers faced by food entrepreneurs seeking to enter the food sector and make it easier to comply with all the various requirements and food regulations. This seminar is one of a number of supports we provide on an ongoing basis." The free half-day seminar will bring together experts from the FSAI and the Health Service Executive to provide assistance for new businesses and advice on compliance with food safety legislation. The seminar takes place from 8:00am to 12:15pm on May 28 at Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway. Booking is advised and further information is available at www.fsai.ie/events
Did you know… PJ Carroll have made changes to its management? The tobacco producer has announced the departure of its general manager, Stephen Donaldson with effect this week. Donaldson is due to move to a new role in parent company BAT, while the general manager position will be filled by Simon Carroll, previously the national business manager in PJ Carroll. The change is part of a number of movements in two of the top three main tobacco firms, including the departure of Andrew Meagher from John Player last month.
Did you know… Tesco is being accused of cannibalising the post office market? The President of the Irish Postmasters' Union (IPU), Ciaran McEntee, has said that he was "disappointed" with the establishment of 10 'Post & Pay' outlets in supermarkets across Ireland, which have caused fears that community post offices will become defunct. McEntee said, "We are very disappointed with An Post, because we would rather they had come to us and asked us to put post offices in the supermarkets. We would have accepted that no problem.” McEntee called on the government not to establish any more 'Post & Pay' outlets, adding, "We don't want them to cannibalise other offices by this. What we want is for them to come back and talk to us."
Did you know… Retail Ireland has urged the government to cut income tax, promote better regulation for the sector and not further add to business costs? The retail representative group said that even though the sector still faces many challenges, it has the potential to create 40,000 jobs over the next few years. Additionally, it is estimating a 2% increase in consumer spending in 2014. Retail Ireland director Stephen Lynam said, “Retail has been through the horrors, but the outlook is starting to look up. With good news on the jobs front and consumer confidence improving, we predict that consumer spending will increase by 1.9% this year. Lynam reminded that retail is the largest private sector employer and is crucial to Ireland’s economic revival. He added, “Not only does it generate employment in its own right, it is also hugely important for our agriculture sector, with retailers spending €5 billion annually on Irish food and drink products. A thriving retail sector will generate billions in tax revenue for the exchequer and thousands of jobs right across the country.”
Did you know… Coca-Cola has agreed to remove an ingredient from some of its beverages in response to an online petition? The drinks giant will stop adding brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to many of its brands including Fanta and Powerade, something competitor Pepsi did for its brand Gatorade last year after a similar petition. Consumers who signed the petition were concerned about BVO, which is used as a stabiliser to prevent ingredients from separating, amidst reports that BVO contains bromide, found in brominated flame retardants. The petition began in Mississippi, USA and was hosted on Change.org.
Did you know… Tesco has plans to launch its own smartphone? The retail giant will launch its own-brand smartphone in the UK by the end of the year, which will run on Android software and be pre-installed. Last year, Tesco launched its own-brand tablet, the Hudl, which sold over 500,000, and the retailer intends to launch a newer version in a few months. Tesco has over 200,000 subscribers to its own mobile phone network in Ireland and will release its smartphone to compete with the upcoming Samsung Galaxy 5.
Did you know… Smithwicks has launched a limited edition ‘Long Summer’ brew? With hints of tropical fruits, caramel and green tea, the 'Long Summer' blend is a gold coloured ale, made by the brewers at Smithwicks with malt and barley. Smithwick’s master brewer Luis Ortega said, “Smithwick’s Long Summer is a fantastic addition to our existing range, offering lager and ale drinkers the perfect beer to enjoy during the summer months. Drinkers can savour the caramel and biscuit flavours combined with tropical fruits and green tea aromas.” Smithwicks long summer is now available in 500ml bottles priced at €2.59 RRP, with an ABV of 4.5%.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
{loadposition ri07042014}
