Shetland Food and Drink Ltd (SFAD) has confirmed a range of new appointments following successful funding applications with Shetland LEADER and Shetland Islands Council. SFADrecently secured over £60,000 of funding for a second fixed-term project, following very soon after the completion of a very successful launch project for Shetland Food and Drink. SFAD's first project focused on the launch of the organisation and Taste of Shetland, with this new project focusing on extending the organisation's reach outwith Shetland.
Marian Armitage, Chair of Shetland Food and Drink, says: “We are delighted to be building a strong team for the next phase of Shetland Food and Drink’s growth. If we are to achieve the ambitions of this new 18-month project, we need lots of experience on board.”
The new appointments comprise:
- Claire White , who is appointed to the role of Manager
- Joanne Williams , who is appointed to the role of Assistant Manager
- Mary Andreas , who is appointed to the role of Finance Officer
All roles are part time and are fixed term freelance roles, funded by a combination of the grant money received plus SFAD’s own funds.
Claire White takes up the post of Manager on 1 May 2019, taking over the reins from Jill Franklin. She joins SFAD with a wealth of experience both in and outwith Shetland working in the food, tourism and arts sectors. A BBC presenter, producer and researcher since 2000, Claire has been responsible for a wide range of features for outlets including BBC Radio Scotland, BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. She has also worked with Promote Shetland as a producer, and is known throughout the islands as a music composer and performer. Claire is also a former curator of Shetland Fiddle Frenzy.
The role of Manager is a central to the growth and sustainability of the organisation, working with the SFAD team, its Directors and Members to deliver its strategic vision, goals, and objectives. The role is responsible for helping develop public and private grant funding and commercial sponsorship streams; overseeing all events, marketing and PR campaigns; working with members; and - new for the role - developing the organisation’s approach to working with cruise ships and its food tourism strategy.
Joanne Williams returns to the role of Assistant Manager for a second term. She joined SFAD in May 2018 as part of the organisation’s last funded project, which ended in February. Joanne has a wide range of experience in Shetland’s food and drink sector, through this role, including growing the membership of SFAD, overseeing events including the very successful Pop-up in Lerwick last summer and also accompanying members to the Speciality Food Show in Glasgow earlier this year. Joanne’s previous roles include Project Assistant at Katy Rodgers Artisan Dairy in Fintry.
The role of Assistant Manager plays a key role in the delivery of SFAD’s plans, working alongside the Manager not only on established projects, but the development of new ideas - and seeing those through from conception to delivery and review. It is also has primary responsibility for working with members and membership development, as well as delivery of events, social media and supporting and organising SFAD’s wide range of projects. Joanne starts her role immediately.
Mary Andreas has been appointed to the new role of Finance Officer. For the first time, SFAD will have a team member focusing on the development and growth of income streams, including both sponsorship and grant funding. The Finance Officer role also provides financial processing support to SFAD including the preparation of budgets, book-keeping and working with the Board on the development of the financial plan.
Since 2010, Mary has been running her own business, a successful 4 star bed and breakfast in Bigton. Her strong financial background includes working remotely as Operations Manager for Preston-based firm Suresite Ltd, where she was responsible for 50 service stations’ credit card processing. She played a major part in building the company, by 2018, to 3 Operations Managers responsible for 1,500 UK-wide Service Stations, whilst home based in Shetland. She is also Chair of Bigton Community Hall. Mary starts her role immediately.
Marian Armitage, Chair of Shetland Food and Drink , adds: “This mixture of roles means we can not only deliver our current work, but it gives us the scope to look to the future and actively develop new sources of income - from new forms of public funding to private and commercial revenue streams. SFAD has achieved a huge amount since we launched in November 2017. We want to work hard to build on that success and use this next 18 months to help secure the organisation for the future. The Directors and I are very much looking forward to working with this experienced and talented team.”