Business Explorer is a funded programme aimed at connecting businesses directly with technical specialist support to develop new products or ideas.
The Business Explorer Team is pleased to invite you to hear directly from Brenda Kelleghan, Innovation and Technology Manager at SRC, and Stella Graham, Foodovation Centre Manager at NWRC. They will discuss their work within new product development and innovation in food technology with SMEs, and the impact their specialism has had in driving business change.
This event is aimed at SMEs considering new product development or process improvement. Join us on Wednesday, 13th November as we discuss:
- Steps to secure funding with the Business Explorer.
- Accessing support from technical specialists.
- Advancements in food innovation from concept to factory.
- Case studies on the benefits for SMEs working with specialists.
Brenda Kelleghan
Brenda leads the Innovation and Knowledge Transfer pillar of the Business Support Centre at Southern Regional College (SRC). She joined the Business Support team in 2013 as a Food Innovation Specialist and was promoted to Innovation & Technology Manager in 2022. With over 18 years of industry experience as an NPD (New Product Development) Manager in food manufacturing, Brenda has mentored hundreds of food and drink companies in all aspects of research, development, and NPD through funded programmes. She has launched numerous new and improved products in both retail and food service, within the chilled and frozen categories.
In her current role, Brenda works with key stakeholders and businesses to ensure they are matched with industry specialists across all sectors to support innovation and productivity. She holds a BA (Hons) in Consumer Studies/Food Innovation with a Diploma in Industrial Studies from Ulster University, and a Master’s in Business for Agri-Food & Innovation Management from Queen’s University Belfast in conjunction with CAFRE.
Stella Graham
Stella Graham is the Manager of the NWRC’s Foodovation Centre, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting small businesses through food technology, skill development, and product innovation. With over a decade of experience in NPD for leading food manufacturers in Northern Ireland, Stella brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She has successfully launched over 100 products across bakery, meat, and dairy sectors for both key brands and retail own-labels.
Her educational background includes an MSc in Food Management and a BA (Hons) in Consumer Studies, both of which underpin her expertise in guiding businesses from concept to market-ready products.