Appointment to the framework provides the group with the opportunity to deliver a strong presence at key events within the food and drink sector on behalf of the Welsh Government, cultivating an environment that allows trade buyers, consumers, distributors, press, and media to learn more about Welsh food and drink, both within the UK and internationally.

Part of this will include raising the sector’s profile and facilitating engagement between Welsh companies and potential buyers to generate new leads and sales.

Suzanne McCreedy, group operations director of BE Group, explained:

“We are delighted to have been selected by the Welsh Government and look forward to promoting the vibrant and rapidly-expanding food and drink sector in Wales.  We have supported over 3,000 Welsh businesses in the last three years across the construction sector, resulting in contract wins in excess of £39m.”

As the UK leaves the European Union, new export opportunities are becoming more important than ever, meaning a focus must be placed on international trade in order to make sure Wales can seize global opportunities.

Home to a dynamic and fast-growing food and drink industry, Welsh businesses that are looking to expand in the global marketplace range from the micro, through a range of SMEs, all the way to larger food companies.

The group will support this acceleration in growth to allow businesses to take full advantage of rising opportunities while positioning Wales as a Food Nation capable of supplying international markets.

Suzanne continued:

“Our proposal provided Food & Drink Wales with the assurance that we will not just do an exceptional job on the planning and delivery, but also bring together a range of innovative and trusted solutions to ensure exceptional contract and service management.

“We have extensive experience of supporting SMEs to achieve their business development and growth ambitions through the delivery of business advice, event programmes, trade visits, health checks and international trade development activities.

“We have successfully delivered over 100 Trade Development visits across 80+ markets on behalf of the Department for International Trade (DIT) and Scottish Development International (SDI).

“Our team have the knowledge and practical experience gained from assisting businesses in the food and drink market, and we look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to promote such an important and diverse sector.”