Grow South Antrim

Bridgend Mini Tubers

• Awardee: Ian Hill
• Location: Ballynure
• Council: Newtownabbey
• Grant: £19,018.79

Project Promoter, Ian Hill had been growing mini-tubers as a source for seed potatoes for 11 years when he applied for grant aid to develop the business further by building a new laboratory and purchasing new equipment.

Rural Development Programme funding allowed the project to invest in a laboratory and purchase equipment including hotplates, an autoclave and lights for the growth room. The grant also enabled the business to purchase IT equipment, including a computer and printer, improving administration and record-keeping. Store codes of all products are now kept in an electronic filing system, meaning no more handwritten records. This allows Bridgend to trace all their products and makes it easier to email the records to suppliers when required.

“I was confident that there was a solid customer base for the product, but customers wanted to see where the product was coming from and view the premises before they placed larger orders. Rural Development Programme funding allowed me to invest in the laboratory and air-conditioned chill room. This projects a professional image to assure customers of hygiene standards and instil confidence in the traceability of the products. By enabling Bridgend Mini Tubers to invest in the image of our premises, funding has been invaluable in our success.”
Ian Hill, Bridgend Mini Tubers

• Address: 38 Church Road,Ballynure, Ballyclare, BT39 9UF
• Phone: 028 9332 3526
• Email: ulsterspud@msn.com