Official statement from Randox on Covid-19 testing
Official statement from Randox on Covid-19 testing
03 April 2020
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM RANDOX
On the emergence of the Covid-19 threat Randox utilised their years of regulated diagnostic experience to quickly develop and robustly validate a test for the Covid-19 virus. Randox had significant confidence in this test and presented them to Public Health England (PHE) for evaluation. PHE were managing this validation process for each of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The UK Government showed significant confidence in Randox’s capability and conducted full engagement and planning subject to PHE acceptance of the Randox test. When PHE acceptance was granted, the Randox part in the national plan had been prepared and was quickly initiated.
We understand that the national plan for the testing of key workers is exactly that, a national plan, inclusive of Northern Ireland. Initially relatively small numbers of tests were sent to the areas of significant national threat in London.
The planning for the national distribution of test kits is being managed by the various relevant statutory agencies however Randox has made the case that tests should be made available locally. Following that engagement, tests have now been made directly available within Northern Ireland and Randox will continue to support Northern Ireland within the UK national plan.
Randox have acted with speed and initiative throughout this crisis and will continue to ramp up our testing capability to support the national testing plan for key workers in Northern Ireland.
Every part of Randox’s business is focused on doing everything we can to support the Covid-19 testing programme, to both save lives and ensure the speediest possible return to a more normal society.
For more information please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
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Randox joins government drive on COVID-19 tests for frontline NHS staff
27 March 2020
Randox Laboratories is partnering with the government to develop a new coronavirus testing programme in which NHS staff will be first in line.
The new service, which will be free, will help to end the uncertainty of whether NHS staff need to stay at home. Those who test negative for coronavirus will be able to return to work – enhancing the capacity of the NHS and social care to treat patients and care for those in community settings, with plans for a full roll-out for health, social care and other frontline workers.
Randox are providing high volume home sample collection kits and laboratory testing.
Randox CEO Dr Peter FitzGerald, said:
“We have an excellent Covid-19 assay and we are committed to supporting the government and this important initiative to test key workers and support vital public services.
“Randox Laboratories is now operational for COVID-19 testing and will be ramping up extensively in the coming weeks. This will provide extensive employment opportunities for laboratory and support staff.
“Our first tests have gone to the London Ambulance Service and we look forward to playing our role in ensuring that this critical capability continues to operate.”
To offer its coronavirus testing capabilities to the new programme, Randox’s COVID-19 test recently underwent evaluation from, and has been accepted by, Public Health England.
In its evaluation of the Randox COVID-19 test, Public Health England’s report noted that the assay correctly identified all positive and negative samples without exception.
As a result the government are proceeding to utilise the Randox COVID-19 test in the new testing programme for NHS staff, with an exceptionally high degree of confidence.
Two simultaneous tests are carried out on the proprietary Randox Biochip, in line with guidelines from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organisation.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said:
“We want to save lives, protect the most vulnerable, and relieve pressure on our NHS.
“Healthcare staff are key in our fight against the virus and I want to ensure that any frontline NHS or care worker who has symptoms of coronavirus or who has a family member with symptoms can be tested quickly and reliably.
“I pay tribute to the generosity and public spirit of Britain’s universities, research institutes and companies who have lent us their equipment without hesitation.”
Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said:
“Laboratory-based testing on this scale is a little like building the medical equivalent of a car factory. We are assembling many different parts, some of them quite specialised and hard to find, then getting them to work accurately together in a highly co-ordinated process. There are bound to be teething problems, so we cannot switch on hundreds of thousands of lab tests overnight. But we hope that soon these hub laboratories will be operating round the clock, allowing us to significantly scale up our testing.”
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
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Hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou roll out new coronavirus test developed by Randox scientists
02 March 2020
Hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou roll out new coronavirus test developed by Randox scientists
Randox’s pioneering new test for coronavirus, which identifies COVID-19 and differentiates it from nine other respiratory infections, is to be used in Chinese hospitals.
The comprehensive test, which is being shipped this week to hospitals in Wuhan and Guangzhou, has been developed on Randox’s unique technology platform, the Biochip. This allows for each patient to be simultaneously tested for a range of respiratory infections inclusive of all known coronaviruses.
The Coronavirus Biochip tests each single patient sample for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, as well as nine other respiratory viruses, including SARS, MERS, and Influenza A and B. This enables clinicians to quickly and efficiently differentiate between potentially lethal and non-lethal infections, prioritise patients and administer appropriate and timely treatment.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented;
“Current technologies being used to diagnose COVID-19 are focused on simply detecting the presence or lack of this singular strain and therefore neglect to differentiate it from other respiratory infections. At Randox we have developed a multiplex Viral Respiratory Infection Array that tests for COVID-19 and nine other infections simultaneously, and are delighted that this new technology will be deployed in Wuhan and other cities across China.
“The Coronavirus Biochip will eliminate the need for multiple back-and-forth tests before the root cause of symptoms is found, thereby empowering clinicians to make faster and better-informed decisions.”
Due to be used in hospitals in Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, as well as in The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the new testing technology is capable of processing 324 patient samples, generating 3240 reportable results, in just 8 hours.
The panel includes two tests for COVID-19, a specific test (SARS-CoV-2) and a confirmatory test (Sarbecoviris) on the same panel, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. This avoids the need to repeat the test, and importantly, reduces the likelihood of incorrect diagnosis, ensuring appropriate containment and reducing the risk of further contamination. This faster and more comprehensive testing will ultimately support the health service in China by facilitating the efficient use of valuable healthcare resources.
Byron Wang, CEO of Beijing Promed, Randox’s partner in providing the new coronavirus test in China, commented;
“We welcome the support of the global community in assisting us combat COVID-19 at this time. Randox is a highly regarded In Vitro Diagnostic company in China and has supported our market with high quality products for many years. We look forward to supplying this test to hospitals located within the area of greatest need and believe it will make a real difference.”
Dr FitzGerald concluded;
“Randox is committed to saving and improving lives on a global scale and we know that this new COVID-19 test will make a significant contribution to the global coronavirus containment effort.”
The Coronavirus Biochip tests simultaneously for Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Sarbecoviris (SARS, SARS like, COVID-19), Coronavirus 229E/NL63, Coronavirus OC43/HKUI, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Adenovirus A/B/C/D/E, Enterovirus A/B/C, Influenza A, Influenza B and Rhinovirus A/B.
The Randox Coronavirus Biochip complies with guidelines from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact the Randox PR team on 028 9442 2413 or email randoxpr@randox.com
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Downpatrick announce Randox as new sponsor of Ulster National
29 January 2020
Randox Ulster National, Sunday March 22, Downpatrick Racecourse
Randox has today been announced as the sponsor of the Ulster National at Downpatrick Racecourse for the next five years.
Downpatrick Racecourse, winner of the ‘Sports Venue of the Year’ in both 2018 and 2019 at the Northern Ireland Hospitality Awards, hosts the €50,000 Randox Ulster National, on Sunday March 22, their flagship race day.
Randox, a global innovative healthcare diagnostics company, based in Crumlin, County Antrim, was founded in 1982 by medical scientist and keen horseman Dr Peter FitzGerald. The five-year sponsorship of the Ulster National sees Randox expand a racing sponsorship portfolio which includes the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree, and title sponsorship of the entire three-day Randox Health Grand National Festival at the Liverpool racecourse.
The Randox Ulster National is one of the most historic races on the racing calendar. Run over three miles and four furlongs, the race was first run in 1939 and has a long and illustrious history.
Caughoo won the 1945 and 1946 Ulster National before winning the 1947 Aintree Grand National for jockey Eddie Dempsey and Dublin-based trainer, Herbert McDowell. Laffy, owned by HRH Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, won the Ulster National in 1962 and Pineau De Re also won Downpatrick’s centre piece jumps race in 2013 and subsequently went on to win the Aintree Grand National the next season (2014).
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Randox Managing Director, commented;
“This is an incredibly exciting time to be partnering with Downpatrick Racecourse to add the Randox Ulster National to our racing portfolio. Racing is a sport everyone can enjoy, from all different walks of life, and a partnership with Downpatrick offers us a fantastic opportunity to share our message of preventative health with a wide and engaged audience. We look forward to the first year of the Randox Ulster National, to show our commitment to this wonderful sport and to encourage people to take control of their health and wellbeing with a Randox Health Check.”
Peter Stewart, Downpatrick Racecourse Chairman, said:
“We are really excited to partner with such a respected global brand as Randox for our most prestigious race meeting and look forward to working closely together to create a wonderful race day for our customers and achieve our shared objectives.
“The Randox partnership will ensure we continue to attract high calibre horses for the Randox Ulster National and further endorse its important position on the racing calendar.”
For further information please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team by emailing: amy.millar@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413
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WAAR 2020 heading for a sell out as Randox Teoranta confirm sixth year of sponsorship
25 January 2020
Randox Teoranta sponsor WAAR 2020
WAAR 2020 heading for a sell out with Randox Teoranta as sponsor
Entries for the 2020 Wild Atlantic Adventure Race (WAAR) have already exceeded the total number of 2019 participants, the organisers confirmed on Friday 24th January at an event to launch the competition.
The race on 9th May, which will once again be sponsored by Randox Teoranta, already has close to 700 entrants, including Nikki Bradley who took part in the WAAR challenge in 2016 and completed the hike section as part of a team of four.
This year Nikki is challenging herself to tackle the WAAR course on her own, where she will run/walk 5km on crutches, cycle 33km of the Wild Atlantic Way and kayak 1km on the Mullaghdearg Lake, before crossing the finish line to receive the highly sought after WAARior medal.
Many athletes and both past and future WAAR participants attended the launch where a number of speakers addressed the crowd, including Irish multi-sport adventure racer Shaun Stewart who launched the 2020 event. Mr Stewart has won the event in the past two years and is looking forward to the challenge once again in May.
Speaking at the event, WAAR organiser and spokesperson Gavin Ó Dónaill commented;
“Already at this early stage in the year we have close to 700 entries for the race, representing an increase of approximately 350 on the same date last year. In May 2019, for the race itself, we had over 600 participants, along with 200 volunteers, so in January 2020 we have already surpassed the total number of 2019 participants.
“As well as Nikki Bradley, Trailblazer Mary Nolan Hickey, who ran the entire coast of Ireland in 2018, cycled around it the following year as a fundraiser for the RNLI, and is the only woman to have run every single Dublin City Marathon since its inception in 1980, is also embarking on the WAAR 2020 adventure.
“The incredible caliber of athletes the event attracts, coupled with the much-appreciated support of global healthcare company Randox, is testament to WAAR’s status as one of the biggest annual sporting events in the North West, and we are looking forward to another sell-out year.”
Dr. Ciaran Richardson, Head of Research & Development at Randox Teoranta, said:
“It is, as always, our honour to partner with the Wild Atlantic Adventure Race here in Donegal. The ethos of the race – of physical and mental health, of camaraderie and of community – is one we share at Randox Teoranta.
“From our biohub in Dungloe in the heart of Donegal, our revolutionary diagnostic technologies for conditions including Alzheimer’s, stroke, kidney disease and gastrointestinal disorders, make a real difference to global healthcare and we will continue this vital work long in to the future.
“Like WAAR, Randox Teoranta has become an integral part of the landscape in Donegal and we are delighted to bring the thrilling Wild Atlantic Adventure Race once again to Donegal in 2020.”
WAAR 2020, as in 2019, will be included as a round of the National Adventure Series, a collection of adventure races across the country from which competitors can earn points to become the all-Ireland Adventure Race Champion 2019. The full WAAR route, which features a 10km run, 42.5km cycle, 2km hike and 1km kayak, starting and finishing at C.L.G. Naomh Muire in Mullaghderg, was described by organisers of the National Adventure Series as “one of the best organised events” in which they had ever taken part, and “a fantastic addition to the National Series Calendar…in one of the most picturesque courses in the country.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the WAAR can visit the website at www.waar.ie. The event is open to anyone who is 16 or over on the 9th May 2020. If you would like to help out on the day of the event please send your name and contact number to info@waar.ie.
For further information please contact Amy Millar in the Randox PR team by emailing amy.millar@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413.
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Randox Testing Services announce attendance at HRD Summit 2020
16 January 2020
Randox Testing Services to attend HRD Summit 2020
RTS are pleased to announce we will be attending the HRD Summit 2020. The two-day event is taking place on 4-5 February at the ICC, Birmingham.
The HRD Summit plays host to the most senior HR and business leaders on the globe. The 2020 Summit will welcome over 1,500 attendees, over 150 speakers across 8 content streams, over 80 Exhibitors, over 250 Match Meetings and 11+ hours of networking spread across 2 days.
For RTS it will be the first time attending the event and UK Sales Manager Michelle Fenn is anticipating a busy and productive two days. She said,
“RTS are delighted to be attending the HRD Summit in Birmingham. It is an event that we have identified that would be ideally suited to promote the message of safer workplaces through minimising the impacts of drug & alcohol misuse. In workplaces, employers are becoming more mindful and aligned to their well-being of their employees. One part of this is ensuring a health and safety policy is in place.
A key role within this is ensuring an accurate and concise drug and alcohol policy that is effectively communicated to all employees. RTS are proud of the assistance we provide in helping companies to reduce the impact of substance misuse, so we look forward to engaging with the companies and delegates who will be attending the HRD Summit over the two days.”
As well as exhibiting in the dedicated Partner Zone at the event where delegates can engage with us directly and find out more about our services relating to drug & alcohol testing, we will also be taking part in one of the roundtable discussions that will be happening during the event, so keep an eye on our website and social media in the run up to the event for more information!
About Randox Testing Services
Randox Testing Services is a specialist in the drug & alcohol testing industry. We aim to educate and inform companies about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace, and the impact it can have on an organisation.
If you are attending HRD Summit and would like to speak with us about drug & alcohol testing, visit us in the Partner Zone where one of our colleagues will be happy to speak with you.
Alternatively, if you would like to know more about workplace drug & alcohol testing and how we can help your business, contact us using any of the below details.
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Phone: 028 9445 1011
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World-leading biotechnology hub opens its doors to the public on Christmas Eve
A global biotechnology company in the heart of Donegal is this month opening its doors to the general public for an Open Day event aimed at showcasing the pioneering scientific research taking place.
Including tours, interactive activities and Q&A sessions with scientists, engineers and software developers, the Open Day at Randox Teoranta in Dungloe will offer visitors to the state-of-the-art site the opportunity to experience for themselves the world-class R&D careers, projects and facilities that exist in Donegal.
Projects at Randox Teoranta, which focuses on the development of new health tests for the diagnosis of ill health and disease, have recently included revolutionary diagnostic technologies for Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, kidney disease and gastrointestinal disorders.
Dr. Ciaran Richardson, Head of Research & Development at Randox Teoranta, commented;
“We feel that we should share the transformative work taking place here at Randox Teoranta with the local community who have been so receptive and supportive of our endeavours to provide world-leading career opportunities right here in the heart of Donegal.
“For those working or interested in science, engineering, software development or manufacturing, who may have been previously unaware that there is a next-generation life sciences hub located in Dungloe, we invite you to join us on Christmas Eve for an exclusive look behind the scenes of our advanced facilities.
“Similarly, for those who may have joined us before at one of our previous Open Days, please do visit again to learn about the projects we have been working on over the past year.”
In addition to those working in human health at Randox Teoranta are veterinary scientists involved in the development of novel multiplex tests used to monitor disease spread and improve animal welfare.
The firm’s human and veterinary health scientists work alongside a dedicated team of software developers and engineers who collaboratively use their talents to design and manufacture machines on which these tests are run, to detect disease and save lives.
Dr Richardson continued;
“Our manufacturing department also boasts a number of innovative roles which are essential to Randox’s continuation as a global leader in healthcare diagnostics and associated technology.
“At Randox Teoranta, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of health diagnostic capabilities, and it all takes place right here in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The unique combination of a world-leading career coupled with an unrivalled quality of life is second-to-none.”
Randox Teoranta’s Open Morning will take place on Tuesday 24th December 2019 from 9:00 until 12:00 at Randox Teoranta, Meenmore, Dungloe, Co. Donegal, F94 TV06.
Students, graduates and experienced professionals are welcome to visit along with their family and friends. You are welcome to bring your CV on the day or email it to recruitment@randoxteoranta.com.
Booking is not required, however, you can register your interest (optional) on Eventbrite.
More information about the open day can also be found by contacting +353 7495 22600 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com.
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Randox IT wins IT Project Team of the Year at Belfast Telegraph IT Awards
Congratulations to the Randox IT department who have been named as the ‘IT Project Team of the Year’ at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2019!
The awards ceremony, which was an inaugural event from the Belfast-based media outlet, was a showcase of the finest that the Northern Ireland IT industry has to offer, with both IT agencies and in-house IT teams vying for the chance to be crowned among the best their respective fields.
Sarah Little, Publishing Director at INM(NI), said on the night that holding the event was a ‘no brainer’ due to the prolific growth of the IT sector in Northern Ireland. In 2018 1 in 9 jobs advertised were in IT.
Prior to the awards event, Randox IT had been shortlisted for both IT Project Team of the Year for their work on RIQAS Point of Care and IT Team of the Year for their work on the Randox Health client portal.
The in-house IT team at Randox comprises of web developers, engineers, customer support staff, web designers, security professionals, software development and software testers spanning ten nationalities, from Indian to Hungarian and Italian to South African.
In the last year Randox IT have worked on a variety of exciting and important projects, including the development of an innovative health portal that assesses the accuracy and reliability of point-of-care machines. These blood testing analysers are increasingly being placed in the likes of pharmacies, GP surgeries, and A&E departments to provide NHS Health Checks and manage long-term conditions.
It was for this work on RIQAS Point of Care that on Friday 8th November, at a glittering awards event in the MAC Belfast, Randox IT were officially named IT Project Team of the Year.
The cloud-based technology developed by Randox IT provides confidence in vital test results for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Uptake of the scheme has increased considerably since it was launched this year, proving that the system is meeting a need for a quality assurance system for non-laboratory health service staff which was not being met before.
We are delighted that Randox IT have been recognised for this pioneering work in point-of-care software and hope you join us in congratulating them on such a tremendous achievement.
To find out more about Randox IT and the vacancies we have in the team, please email recruitment@randox.com
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We Are Randox | Randox IT is shortlisted in the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2019
Congratulations to the Randox IT department who have been shortlisted in two categories at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2019.
This, the inaugural event from the Belfast-based media outlet, is set to be a showcase of the finest that the Northern Ireland IT industry has to offer with both IT agencies and in-house IT teams vying for the chance to be crowned among the best their respective fields.
Randox IT have been shortlisted for IT Project Team of the Year for their work on RIQAS Point of Care and IT Team of the Year for their work on the Randox Health client and staff portal.
See an overview of their applications below;
IT Project Team of the Year
Randox IT have developed an innovative health portal that assesses the accuracy and reliability of blood testing analysers. These blood testing analysers are increasingly being placed in the likes of pharmacies, GP surgeries, and A&E departments to provide NHS Health Checks and manage long term conditions.
Randox IT cloud-based technology provides confidence in vital test results for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Uptake of the scheme has increased considerably since it was launched this year, proving that the system is meeting a need for a quality assurance system for non-laboratory health service staff which was not being met before.
IT Team of the Year
The in-house IT team at world-leading health diagnostics firm Randox comprises of web developers, engineers, customer support staff, web designers, security professionals, software development and software testers spanning ten nationalities, from Indian to Hungarian and Italian to South African.
In the last year, the Randox IT team have created a fully-automated, fully-functional platform for both healthcare professionals and clients of Randox Health, which generates results for state-of-the-art health checks.
The finals for the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2019 will take place on Friday 8th November 2019 in The Mac, Belfast and all finalists can be viewed here.
Good luck to the Randox IT department!
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Randox Potato Festival will celebrate the Mighty Spud at the Giant’s Causeway
Randox Potato Festival will celebrate the Mighty Spud at the Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland’s favourite potato-themed festival is back, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday 5th October 2019, boosted once more by the continued partnership with headline sponsor Randox.
Set against the backdrop of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a heady mix of family fun, a celebration of world-renowned potato breeder John Clarke, and a chance to sample the delights of the agri-food industry which thrives in the Causeway Coast & Glens.
Now in its sixth year, the line-up for the free event, which runs from 10am – 5pm in the grounds of the Causeway Hotel, boasts a packed programme of activities and attractions for all ages, including the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market and Food NI Cookery Theatre.
Wendy Gallagher, Causeway Coast Foodie Tours and Festival Committee Secretary, said;
“We’re delighted to welcome back the ever-popular Food NI Cookery Theatre to the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival, which will feature a selection of talented homegrown chefs including Trudy Brolly of Ocho Tapas Restaurant in Portrush, and Niall McGinn of Dundarave Estate in Bushmills.
“The Potato Festival will also play host to the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, with a popular collection of award-winning local artisan food, drink, and hand-made arts and crafts.
“And for potato enthusiasts there will be a series of specialist talks on a range of topics including ‘How to breed your own potatoes’ and an exhibition of all John Clarke’s varieties.”
Joining the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a live radio show from Q Radio, which is adding its Broadcast Bus to the eclectic mix of activities on offer, including bouncy castles, a children’s animal farm, The Mighty Spud, and Cutting Edge Helicopters, who will be back in the air again offering spectacular helicopter sightseeing flights (fee applies).*
On the eve of Festival Day a ticketed ‘Super Spud Tour’ to celebrate the area’s unique potato breeding and growing heritage will be held along the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, and will include a potato producer tour, themed lunch and an opportunity to enjoy a delicious cocktail featuring Ireland’s first potato-distilled vodka.
And headline sponsor Randox will be inviting visitors to the event to step onboard its Mobile Health Clinic, a bespoke Mercedes Benz vehicle which has taken the company’s revolutionary ‘health MOTs’ on the road.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, said;
“The sponsorship of the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival means a great deal to Randox and we are delighted to be able to bring our Mobile Health Clinic to an event which is so well-known in the area, attracts an impressive number of visitors, from both near and far, and has such a dedicated and enthusiastic committee.
“Just like the festival committee, we at Randox are dedicated to supporting local quality produce, evidenced in our production of meats, jams, chutneys and apple juice straight from Dundarave Estate in Bushmills and CherryValley Estate in Antrim.
“The food and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is among the best in the world and we are pleased to help showcase award-winning local producers on a national platform. The local community has played a significant role in the successes of Randox over the past number of years and we believe it is important to give the same support and encouragement back wherever we can.”
The Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival will take place in the front car park of the Causeway Hotel at the Giant’s Causeway, but in the event of inclement weather, will proceed at an alternative location in the hotel grounds.
Festival Committee Chairman Michael McKillop, Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, said;
“This year the committee has worked tirelessly to bring a bigger and better potato festival to the North Antrim coast on the site of the Giant’s Causeway. We have more fun-filled events planned with loads of arts and crafts on site and fantastic local chefs doing cookery demos. Along with a free open day to the Causeway Centre, it will be a great family day out.”
As well as Randox as the main sponsor, the festival has benefited from financial help from The National Trust, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, NI Regional Food Programme (DAERA), Jamison Potatoes, McCurdy Potatoes, Wilsons Country, Manor Fresh, Active Packaging, First Trust Bank and Food NI.
Mr McKillop continued;
“I would like to extend my thanks to the National Trust for their continued support. Every year the National Trust is a key partner and sponsor for the Potato Festival, not only opening up the Giant’s Causeway site and providing the perfect location but giving their staff to co-ordinate the activities on the day. They also coincide the festival with their free Community Open Day welcoming everyone to enjoy their Visitor Experience and award-winning guided tours for free, providing a great opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s heritage to local and international visitors while celebrating the legacy of John Clarke.”
*£10 raffle tickets to win a helicopter flight for 3 people, worth £270, can be purchased by contacting the Festival Committee, with the raffle being drawn on Festival Day itself.
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
To book a place on the ‘Super Spud Tour’ on Friday 4th October, contact causewayfoodie@gmail.com
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