Experience Country Life at Randox Antrim Show
Experience Country Life at Randox Antrim Show
A host of family-friendly country fun will descend on the majestic setting of Shane’s Castle on Saturday 27th July as Randox Antrim Show comes to town.
The event offers an enjoyable day out in the country as the best horses, cattle, sheep, fruit, vegetables, craftwork and baked goods are brought to one location for a public showcase. It also involves children’s entertainment, dog agility displays, a petting zoo, live music, sheep shearing, and stalls, to name just a few of the things made possible by the support of many sponsors, including that from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
In the ‘Festival of Food’ marquee local produce will be promoted by celebrity chef Paula McIntryre and local chef Jonny Clarke from The Holestone, Parkgate, who will be hosting cookery demonstrations throughout the day. They’ll be joined by local food producers keen for the public to sample their wares.
The show is indebted to the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme for providing sponsorship in this area, which has also enabled, in conjunction with the McKeever Hotel Group, a schools’ competition to promote local produce. The top three entrants in the primary and secondary sections receive complimentary access to the event to discover who won.
Randox Antrim Show is an event where children and pets are welcome. The popular Children’s Pet Show accepts £1 entries from U16s on the day, just ahead of the 1.30pm judging in the cattle ring with the ‘Pet Show’ sign. Note, large animals may be refused entry for health and safety reasons. A free Children’s Treasure Hunt for U12s has also recently been introduced.
The entertainment marquee is home to live music and the jiving competition that annually crowns the Show’s ‘King & Queen of the Castle.’ The show’s entertainment is made possible by support from the Enkalon Foundation. For the winning jiving couple there is a cash prize of £200 on offer, £100 for second and £50 for third place. Entries are taken on the day of the show.
In the Horticulture and Home Industries section, as well as a new ‘Jim McKay Trophy’ for best exhibitor in the vegetable section, there is a new Young Farmers’ Clubs Craft class to make a ‘Kitchen Memo Board’. The section includes a range of new classes including some in Photography.
As one of Northern Ireland’s leading regional one-day agricultural shows, Antrim is delighted to be hosting four Northern Ireland championships in its cattle section: The Thompson’s NISA Dairy Cow Championship; the Aberdeen Angus Ulster Championship; the Dexter Group’s Premier Show; and the Northern Ireland Limousin Championship.
Visit the show’s website for the full schedule and ultimate close date for entries, however, entries for the horticulture section are still accepted up until Friday 26 July by contacting that section direct on 075 2609 9966. Only show jumping classes (and in exceptional circumstances other equine classes) can be entered on the day of the Show. For enquiries email secretary@antrimshow.com.
Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 27 July at Shanes Castle, from 9am until 5pm. Admission at the gate is £10 per Adult, £5 per Youth (12-17 years), YFC member is £5 by showing card, and Under 12s go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is free. Discounted Adult tickets are available only in advance until 25 July on the show website.
For further information about the Randox Antrim Show please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413.
Randox Antrim Show 2019 open for entries
The country is set to come to Antrim town on Saturday 27th July when Randox Antrim Show will once again take place in the beautiful setting of the Shanes Castle Estate, Antrim.
Sponsors, members and supporters gathered recently at Shanes Castle to officially launch the 2019 event and call for entries to its competitions.
Speaking at the launch of Randox Antrim Show, Chairman Fred Duncan, said; “Our committee of volunteers all work hard to put on a Show that will welcome more and more people each year to come and experience the pleasures of our country way of life.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, sponsorship and funding is extremely important to the Society and we are indebted to each and every sponsor, new and long-standing. Their valuable support is what makes it possible to run the show and offer prize money to attract the best to enter our competitions. I want to add a particular note of thanks to Randox, our title sponsor, whose additional support has allowed us to add features in recent years to improve our event’s offering and attract even more people.
“The Show is also greatly indebted to our many show stewards and the local Young Farmers’ Clubs who help us in the run up to the event and on the day itself.”
Representing the show’s title sponsor at the launch, Marc Coppez, Randox Health Business Development Manager, commented;
“We are delighted to partner with the Randox Antrim Show in this our third year of sponsorship. This much-anticipated agricultural event is a popular landmark in the Borough’s summer calendar and, as an Antrim-headquartered company we are proud to once again work alongside the local community to bring this great event to fruition.
“We look forward to another successful Randox Antrim Show on Saturday 27th July as we bring our message of preventative health to attendees, enabling them to extend their lives and, crucially, to live healthier for longer.”
The new Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey, Ald. John Smyth, who supported the provision of the Show’s Launch, in addition to new and invaluable funding that the event has been awarded this year from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, said;
“Randox Antrim Show attracts over 6,000 visitors which is a welcome boost to the local economy. It also gives the local town people the opportunity to see what the agricultural community has to offer and that sirloin steak doesn’t come in a plastic bag!
“The future lies in taking on the challenge to connect with all visitors to and residents of the Borough and let them know that Randox Antrim Show is happening and encourage them to visit.”
FINALS, QUALIFIERS AND NEW CLASSES
The Society is delighted to be hosting four Northern Ireland finals this year. The prestigious final of the Thompson’s NISA Dairy Cow Championship will take place at Antrim. This final is the culmination of nine rounds of qualifiers and showcases the very best of Dairy Cattle in the province.
For the first time the show will also host the Aberdeen Angus Ulster Championships. The NI Dexter Group has once again chosen Antrim to host its Premier Show, and for the sixth year, Randox Antrim Show will host the Northern Ireland Limousin Championships.
Antrim is also a qualifier for the Linden Foods/NISA Pedigree Beef Heifer Championships and the Bank of Ireland/NISA Pedigree Junior Bull Championship.
In the equine section, Antrim will again host a qualifier for the Equestrian & Farm Feeds/NISA Clydesdale Championship. Also, the Working Hunter classes will return after their successful introduction last year. These are in addition to the Show’s normal equine classes and show jumping section which has a total prize fund of just over £2,000.
In the sheep section, Antrim has introduced a new category for Dutch Spotted and will, once again, see the return of the NI Sheep Shearers Association Shearing Competition.
NEW CUP AND DONATION
The Horticulture and Home Industries section has been presented with the Jim McKay Trophy, a brand-new trophy for the best exhibitor in the vegetable section. The late Jim McKay from Larne, was a steward and exhibitor in the Horticultural section of the Show for many years. He’d bought the trophy before Christmas but sadly passed away very suddenly in March 2019.
About Jim, David Crawford, Home Industries Director, said, “Jim was a gentleman, who enjoyed encouraging young people and new gardeners to exhibit at Shows. We will really miss his help and cheerful banter.”
Entries in the Horticulture and Home Industries section, with the exception of home baking entries, eggs and horticulture, will once again be judged on the Friday evening, with entries being taken up until the afternoon of Friday 26th July.
There are a few new classes to look out for in the baking section of the Show’s schedule this year as well as a new YFC Craft class to make a ‘Kitchen Memo Board’.
At the show launch, Antrim representatives of Macmillan Cancer Relief were presented with a £1,000 donation by the directors of Antrim Agricultural Society. As a charity that provides invaluable physical, emotional and financial support to cancer patients it is a cause that is close to committee members’ hearts.
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
Randox Antrim Show wants to enable visitors to literally take a stroll through country life during the event. Aside from a wealth of farm animals and pets to peruse, the family event offers a wide and eclectic mix of stands including craft and home industries marquees, alongside agri-products and machinery.
The ‘Festival of Food’ village returns thanks to new support from the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme to showcase local food, where you’ll find cookery demonstrations and samples by local celebrity chef Paula McIntrye in her signature kitchen and local industries promoting local produce.
There’ll also be a dog agility display, an Animal Farm petting zoo, an enter on-the-day children’s pet show, family-friendly amusements, a children’s treasure hunt with goody bags for completed entries, and live music throughout the day.
If you like to ‘keep ‘er country’ with a bit of jiving, make sure you enter on-the-day for a chance to be crowned the next ‘King & Queen of the Castle’ in the jiving competition. Thanks to invaluable support from the Enkalon Foundation to help provide the wider bandstand marquee and its contents, the jiving competition’s live music will be provided by the ‘Jive Chicks’ and there’ll be prize money as further incentive.
YFC Games
The YFC County Games Competitions Day is also held at the event. You can expect tug-of-war, tractor handling, gator challenge and slippery football. They also plan to host the Final of the YFCU Build-It Competition.
This year Young Farmers’ Clubs members who are 18+ years can enter the event for the reduced fee of £5 on production of a valid YFCU membership card at the entrance gate.
Entries Open
A copy of the Show Schedule is available from the Show Secretary or can be downloaded from www.RandoxAntrimShow.com.
Times and Prices
The action takes place on Saturday 27th July from 9am to 5pm. Admission to Randox Antrim Show is £10 per Adult, £5 per Young Person (12-17 years), and Under 12s go free and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is also free.
For further information about the Randox Antrim Show please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413.
£700,000 UK government investment in Randox R&D
A £700,000 UK Research and Innovation investment into manufacturing processes at Randox means patients could benefit from quicker, cheaper and more consistent diagnosis of diseases.
The announcement comes exactly one year after the government launched its modern Industrial Strategy – the long-term plan to boost productivity by backing businesses to create high-quality, well-paid jobs in every corner of the United Kingdom.
The Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) award, administered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will allow Randox Laboratories to further develop its state-of-the-art ‘freeze-drying’ technology which enables the components of vital diagnostic kits to be manufactured, stored and transported more effectively, producing better and speedier diagnoses.
For the first time it also allows this complicated manufacturing process to be carried out in the UK rather than having to be outsourced to countries such as the United States, bringing more jobs and economic growth. These new genomic analysis tools also have the potential to make a major impact in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance by identifying and quickly sharing information about resistant microbial strains.
More in-depth analysis of biomarkers in blood and other bodily fluid levels will allow better, quicker diagnosis of cancers and a range of other diseases, ranging from respiratory infections to sepsis, such as blood poisoning.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said:
“I am delighted to announce a £700,000k UK Government investment in Randox, a multinational life sciences company in County Antrim. This funding will bring significant benefits to Randox’s vital medical diagnostics and help create well-paid manufacturing jobs in Northern Ireland.
“A year-on from the launch of our Modern Industrial Strategy, this investment highlights the great progress we are making to boost productivity by backing leading businesses and creating high-quality jobs in every corner of the United Kingdom.”
John Penrose, Minister of State for Northern Ireland, who visited Randox today to mark the new investment, said:
“Everyone always says the UK needs more high-tec, high-value added manufacturing and the high-skilled, high-waged jobs it brings. But Randox are actually doing it right here in Northern Ireland. This is properly world leading, cutting-edge industry and I’m delighted that today’s money is helping bring the vision to life.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, commented:
“Innovative diagnostic technologies are not only capable of diagnosing disease and ill-health at the earliest possible stage, but they also have a real potential to advance personalised medicine. Our commitment to developing new and exciting breakthroughs in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing is therefore matched only, by our passion to transform the life of the patient. Randox is leading the way in moving from a one-size-fits-all approach towards decisions, practices, and products tailored to the needs of the individual and the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund award brings us one step closer to realising that aim.”
Funded through UK Research and Innovation, the award forms part of the ISCF Early Diagnosis and Precision Medicine programme, focusing on the use of diagnostic information and genetic analysis to drive more personalised healthcare. Innovate UK, now part of UK Research and Innovation, has supported Randox extensively since 2010, helping grow and scale an innovative diagnostics company who are now distributing their products all over the world.
The announcement comes after the government’s announcement of the Life Sciences Sector Deal that will support healthcare innovation and back businesses to create high-paid, high-quality jobs as part of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy. The deal signals a vote in confidence in UK industry, with global biopharmaceutical company UCB investing around £1 billion in research and development.
For further information please contact Randox PR by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
We Are Randox | Software Developer Scott McPeake on life in the Randox IT department
Have you heard about our IT Open Evening on Tuesday 20th November? We’re offering those interested in Software Development, Information Security, Web Design and IT Support the opportunity to have a look around our state-of-the-art IT facilities at the Randox Science Park.
But as a company known throughout the world for its high-quality health diagnostic products, you may have been surprised to hear that we have such wide-ranging roles available in Information Technology.
“Randox? Isn’t that just for scientists?” we hear you say.
We turned to Randox IT Software Developer Scott McPeake for the answer. This is what he said.
“I imagine if you were to ask my friends from my Computer Science course at university, if they previously knew that Randox offers jobs in IT, they would say no.
But really, it’s not surprising when you think about it. Technology underpins everything we do in life. Everything is moving digital, and everything digital involves software in some shape or form.
Even jobs which you assume are predominantly tech-free – let’s say for example, a bus driver – use technology every day. A bus driver relies on technology to administer tickets and to plan their travel routes. It truly is everywhere and it’s only going to expand more.
Without an innovative IT department, Randox wouldn’t be the successful and reputable company it is today. If there was no IT team, there would be no lab equipment, no websites, no apps. Even organisations who don’t specialise in IT still have it as a core function of the company.
In the Software Development team, in particular, we design and develop the software used in laboratories to compare results from instruments and samples against other laboratories, to see how these results compare.
It’s important work, as all our scientists rely on us to be able to do their work in providing blood test results to patients across the world. Our software needs to be operating perfectly to ensure people are getting the correct results and therefore the correct diagnosis. And that’s what makes Randox so reputable.
Access to technologies
Being part of a company that is so well established and successful also means that we get exposed to the latest innovations. With IT influencing so much of what we do here, we’re at the forefront of all projects and developments, and are given access to the most up-to-date technologies to make sure we’re providing the best possible products and user experience for our customers, and can stay head of our competitors.
We’re able therefore to bring to management our ideas about what new software we would like to try, to suggest how it would improve our work. So new software is coming in all the time. I’m currently working with MVC architecture which is a key software framework used widely across the world. It’s definitely something good to get experience in, as is typescript, which although not used as much, is really interesting, and I’ve certainly enjoyed the opportunity to try something new.
We also work with C# and javascript which are popular, up-to-date products. So whilst the industry of health diagnostics is rather niche, we have the opportunity to use design patterns that are used by most companies, in most industries, to realise our aim of advancing global healthcare.
And of course, working in Randox, we also get the opportunity to learn about the science of diagnostics, and in particular the machines on which we’re implementing our software designs, which carry out blood testing in hospitals and laboratories. It’s good to challenge yourself to learn something new.
Teamwork and collaboration
The chance to expand your knowledge and improve your skills repertoire is probably one of my favourite things about working here at Randox. Everyone works really collaboratively and we help each other out when we need it. So if you don’t know something, no one is going to chastise you. Asking for help and advice is actively encouraged because we each have our own strengths and weaknesses and we can help each other to be a better team. Everyone in the Randox IT team is really willing to help and makes time for you if you need it.
I remember on my first day here I was really nervous and I arrived at the door unable to get in because it was locked. Someone in the team immediately came to the door, asked me if I was new and welcomed me in to the building. That instantly set the tone. Everyone was really welcoming, friendly and professional.
And this ability to work together is so crucial. Most days we will be working on the same site but perhaps on different pages so we have to talk to each other to make sure my page doesn’t break theirs and vice versa. Quite often we’ll design the layout of the software collaboratively, and most days we’ll have a morning meeting to discuss our progress.
If we’re creating something new, we’ll draw up the design based on user requirements and create the software to those designs. Or if an existing site doesn’t work properly, we’ll write up the problem, how to solve it, and then push it up to the production server to fix the bugs.
Fundamental skills
So communication is fundamental, as is problem solving. Being able to keep calm under pressure is also an inherent skill for programming. Deadlines happen; they’re a real thing. You can’t take all day to do something. But it keeps things challenging for us, which is vital, as you don’t want to put your brain to sleep. The work is challenging but solvable, and as I said, you have the team there to help you out and support you.
We all get on really well and the more experienced software developers in the team have been such great mentors to me. If you’re interested in working in IT I would certainly recommend coming along to our IT Open Evening on Tuesday 20th November so that you can meet all of us and have the opportunity to take a tour of our brand-new facilities in the Randox Science Park.
Working in Antrim
The site is really spacious, modern, and easy to get to. For me, coming from Coleraine, I’m just able to get the train to the Antrim station, which is right beside the bus station aswell.
And Antrim has everything you could need. Shops, supermarkets, nice affordable places to live, and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Sometimes we’ll head out as a team in to Antrim for lunch or dinner together, or if we fancy Belfast, it’s just a short journey on the train.
So if you’re interested in a dynamic career in software development, take the trip to Antrim to find out a bit more about what Randox has to offer during our Open Evening on 20th November.
You might not have thought of Randox as a software house but we’re here and we’re working hard to improve healthcare globally!”
To attend the Randox IT Open Evening on Tuesday 20th November, register for tickets on EventBrite by clicking here.
For further information please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413
Randox creates 25 new positions in specialist IT roles in Antrim
Healthcare diagnostics company Randox has today announced 25 new specialist IT roles ranging from Software Development and Information Security to Web Design and IT Support.
The roles, which will span a variety of career pathways, including placements, graduates, apprenticeships and permanent positions, will be based at the firm’s new headquarters, the Randox Science Park in Antrim, which will host an IT Open Evening on Tuesday 20th November.
Those in attendance at the Open Evening will be invited to enjoy a tour of the Randox Science Park, which, following purchase by Randox in 2015, is being developed into a manufacturing and research facility in an investment totalling £161m. The ongoing renovation plans, when complete, will have created a total of 540 high value job opportunities at the site, with an average salary of £30k per year that will generate £16.2 million in annual salaries.
Stephen Fawl, Randox IT Manager, commented;
“Working at the cutting edge of technology and innovation, the Randox IT department design and develop a range of web-based applications and software, support the tech infrastructure of more than 1400 employees worldwide, and implement the very latest in security protocols. It’s no surprise therefore that we’re seeking the very best talent to join our team – offering competitive salaries, career progression, personal development and the opportunity to work in an incredibly forward-thinking company. We invite anybody who is interested in a dynamic career in IT to visit us from 6-8pm on the 20th November for our Open Evening at the Randox Science Park.”
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, added;
“As a global leader in healthcare diagnostics, we must continue innovating, through our people, through our world-class R&D, and through our infrastructure. With technology heavily influencing so much of what we do, the Randox IT department remain at the forefront of our capability and have a critical role to play in the delivery of cutting-edge innovation. The newly-refurbished IT facilities at the Randox Science Park in Antrim give the team there the platform to engage across a broad range of projects, to make a real and important impact upon global healthcare.”
Randox, renowned for the placement and employment opportunities it provides students and graduates at both Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, has recently launched an ‘Earn As Your Learn’ Higher Level Apprenticeship in Computing, with Northern Regional College.
Through the ‘Career Encode’ programme, Randox is offering three-year apprenticeship vacancies in the IT department, in addition to a range of senior roles for the more experienced IT professional. The apprenticeship scheme is equivalent to a foundation degree and provides a clear progression route for apprentices to train to the highest level whilst gaining a professional qualification.
Councillor Paul Michael, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, commented;
“The creation of these specialist IT jobs for the Antrim community, as a direct result of Randox’s ongoing investment and expansion is further proof, if needed, of their commitment to the regional economy. To be able to offer both experienced and aspiring IT professionals, whether students, graduates or full-time IT specialists, the opportunity to work in such high-calibre roles so close to home is an incredibly unique opportunity and I look forward to welcoming new IT staff to the fantastic Randox Science Park facilities.”
Randox Laboratories currently employ 1400 employees globally, 800 of which are based in its Northern Ireland sites in Crumlin and Antrim.
Register your interest for the Randox IT Open Evening by collecting your free tickets here.
For further information about the Randox IT Open Evening, please contact Randox PR by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413.
Randox IT Manager Stephen Fawl and Senior Recruitment Consultant Lyndsay Rodgerson are pictured with Councillor Paul Michael, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, at the launch of Randox’s 25 new specialist IT roles
Randox Antrim Show now open for entries
If you are looking for a day filled with all things country, there will be a fantastic display of award-winning majestic horses, clean cattle, woolly sheep, pink pigs and bleating goats to enjoy at this year’s Randox Antrim Show on Saturday 28 July at the picturesque Shane’s Castle.
Sponsors, stewards, members, supporters and local YFC members recently gathered to find out what’s new as entries were opened for this year’s event.
Donations
During the evening, the Antrim Agricultural Society donated £1,000 to the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association of Northern Ireland, in memory of the late George Robson Senior, past Patron of the Society.
Also, in memory of their father, George and Suzanne Robson presented the George Robson Memorial Cup to the Society. The cup will be presented to the Show’s Champion Dorset.
James Crawford also presented a trophy this year; a shield for Gardener of the Year.
The sponsor’s reception was kindly supported by the Council and catered for by Kells & Connor and Lylehill YFCs.
New Bursary Recipient
Naomi McCullen from Straid YFC was revealed as being the lucky recipient of the inaugural Randox Antrim Show YFC bursary. Her role will see her travel to several shows across the country to compile a presentation of ideas to develop the show, helping ensure it continues to grow and appeal to both the rural and urban audience.
Finals and New Classes
Working Hunter Classes for ponies and horses make a welcome new addition to Antrim’s show Schedule this year. Antrim is also a qualifier for the Bluegrass/NISA Clydesdale Championship 2018. This is in addition to normal classes and the show-jumping section with a total prize fund of £2,250.
In the sheep section, Antrim will be hosting the Border Leicester’s National Show, and classes for the new breed, Suffolk Cheviot, have been added. Dutch Texel will also be exhibited for the first time in Northern Ireland under the ‘Any other breed’ classes.
In the cattle section, Antrim will host the Final of the Bank of Ireland/NISA Pedigree Junior Bull Championship and be a qualifier for the Linden Foods/NISA Pedigree Beef Heifer Championships.
For the fifth year, Antrim will host the NI Limousin Championships which will also incorporate the Young Limousin Breeders Anglo Irish Stock Judging Competition.
Home Industries has a new class this year – the Women’s Institute Team Competition – and the Show is a qualifier for the final of the County Antrim Show’s Chocolate Cake of the Year competition.
The exhilarating, crowd pleasing NI Sheep Shearers Association’s shearing competition once again returns. Its grandstand has the added bonus of giving you a chance for a rest while you watch the against-the-clock spectacle.
Speaking at the launch of Randox Antrim Show, Chairman Fred Duncan said;
“This year’s event will once again take place in Shanes Castle on Saturday 28th July thanks to the hard work of our directors, members and volunteers but also thanks to the much-needed support of many sponsors big and small, new and returning. I’d like to give a special mention to Randox who’ve returned for a second year as our title sponsor; the Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael for enabling our launch, and Lord O’Neill for access to the Castle’s beautiful grounds, which helps add to the family day out we annually put on for the benefit of those from both the rural and urban communities to enjoy.”
Representing the show’s title sponsor at the launch, Marc Coppez, Randox Health Business Development Manager, commented;
“Following a successful first year as sponsor of the Randox Antrim Show in 2017, we are delighted to be once again supporting one of Antrim and Newtownabbey’s most popular events. As a locally-headquartered company we’re very committed to our roots, and relish the opportunity to recognise the backing we have received over the years whilst simultaneously supporting the agricultural community. We are very much looking forward to the event in July, and to sharing our message with event attendees – that with the help of Randox Health, you can extend your life, to live healthier for longer.”
Some Family Fun Highlights
From creative crafts to calorific cakes, there will be lots of non-farm animal activities that will have wide appeal to attract spectators from both farming and non-farming communities.
New for 2018 is a Youth Busking Competition where 12-17 year olds who reside in the Council area, can busk during the afternoon with the chance of winning £250 for themselves and £100 for their school or youth group. Email the Show Secretary before 20th July for details on how to register.
Northern Ireland’s very own celebrity chef Paula McIntyre returns with cookery demonstrations in the Festival of Food marquee as does last year’s successful introduction of dog agility displays, a petting zoo for kids and the ‘King & Queen of the Castle’ jiving competition.
The YFC County Games Competitions Day will also be held at Antrim with Tug-of-war, Tractor Handling, Gator Challenge and Slippery Football just to mention a few of the games.
Other popular spectacles on the day include the Children’s Pet Show and the varied displays of floral art, photography, jams, wine, eggs, baking, fruit, vegetables, handicraft, horticulture, baking, and arts and crafts projects from Primary Schools and Young Farmers’ Clubs. There will also a range of side shows and attractions to keep kids of all ages amused, and many trade stands and stalls to browse.
Entries Open
A copy of the Show Schedule is available from the Show Secretary or can be downloaded from www.randoxantrimshow.com
Times and Prices
The action takes place on Saturday 28th July from 9am to 5pm. Admission to Randox Antrim Show is £10 per person and children under 16 years of age go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is also free.
For further information, contact Show Secretary, Patricia Pedlow by e-mailing secretary@antrimshow.com
We Are Randox | Environmental Manager Charles McGonagle on protecting local wildlife
As a global company with its roots firmly planted in Northern Ireland’s glorious countryside, we’re extremely proud of the beautiful scenery that surrounds our County Antrim headquarters.
With an abundance of flora, fauna and natural wildlife living on the shores of Lough Neagh – where we have our offices – we know the importance of looking after the environment. After all, at Randox HQ we are lucky enough to admire the view from our office windows every day.
That’s why we have a dedicated Environmental Management team at Randox – whose role it is to prevent pollution, reduce waste, recycle consistently, and in general, to control and reduce the risks to air, land and water.
In this month’s #WeAreRandox interview, we chat to Charles McGonagle, Randox Environmental Manager, about a typical day in his job, the importance of respecting your local environment, and what it is that makes his career so worthwhile.
Here’s Charles’ story.
We’re very lucky that at Randox we get to work in such a beautiful part of the Northern Irish countryside. Our headquarters are located just outside Crumlin, near the International Airport, and sit just on the edge of Lough Neagh, the biggest lake in UK and Ireland.
It was recently named one of the Top 100 global sustainable destinations – an initiative which aims to recognise tourism destinations that have worked hard to make a difference and take sustainability seriously. And that’s certainly what we do here at Randox.
We take our environmental responsibility very seriously, not only because of our location, but also because we owe much of our 35 years of success to the support from the local community in which Randox was raised – so we like to give back when we can.
Each year our team plant a new area of trees around Lough Neagh, to make sure the area continues to develop and flourish. In addition to its rich collection of trees, badgers, squirrels, insects and mushrooms, there are also 100,000 birds who flock to Lough Neagh during the winter, coming from places as far away as Canada, Iceland and Russia, and we’re passionate about maintaining this sort of wildlife diversity in the Lough.
Everyone at Randox has their role to play in achieving this aim – not just the Environmental team. A typical day for me would involve a site visit to a particular area of the company, to monitor its activity and environmental performance, and identify areas for improvement, so every day I’m in a different area, learning something new and interesting about the company. With such diversity in the activities and processes the environmental team are involved in, everyone across the company gets the opportunity to review and evaluate their impact on the environment.
Whether a scientist or marketer, manufacturing operative or salesperson, we all make an effort to reduce our waste where we can – for example by turning off our computers, heating and lighting when not in use, and maintaining our equipment properly so we maximise their efficiency. In our attempts to reduce our atmosphere emissions and energy use, every little helps!
Our engineering and manufacturing team, in particular, take environmental factors into consideration daily – whether the material they have chosen is environmentally friendly, if their processes are efficient and if waste material can be recycled.
And our training department has also recently moved onto a paperless data management system to reduce our impact on the environment even more.
I think that’s one of the most rewarding things about my job – seeing people get involved and engaged in ways in which we can improve our environmental friendliness. As someone who is passionate about protecting and improving the environment – I studied Environmental Management at university and then worked with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute – I feel very lucky to work in a company which places such importance on looking after the environment and reducing its carbon footprint.
Randox are constantly trying to find more ways to reduce environmental impact, contribute to the reduction of global CO2 emissions, and make sure that this area of outstanding natural beauty in County Antrim is preserved for many generations to come.
For further information on what we do at Randox to protect the local environment, please contact the Randox PR Team: phone 028 9442 2413 or email randoxpr@randox.com
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs visits Randox Antrim Show
With 111 years of events under its belt, the Antrim Agricultural Show is one of the longest running and most highly regarded of Northern Ireland’s regional agricultural shows.
Now in its 112th year, and with the backing of a new title sponsor in the form of Antrim-headquartered Randox Laboratories, the show has drawn in its largest crowd to date, with thousands of guests turning up for the Randox Antrim Show 2017, held in Shane’s Castle on Saturday 22nd July.
A special guest to this year’s event was Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Michael Gove, visiting the Randox Antrim Show to show his support for the local farming community. During his visit to the popular agricultural show, Mr. Gove stopped by the Randox marquee to chat to Managing Director Dr. Peter FitzGerald, and Senior Manager Mark Campbell, about the company’s patented Biochip Array Technology.
With applications in human health, animal health, and food safety, the Biochip has revolutionised the diagnostics industry because it allows multiple tests to be carried out from a single sample on a single testing platform. Of particular interest to the Secretary of State and to the guests in attendance at this year’s Randox Antrim Show, was the Mycotoxin Biochip, capable of detecting all ten of the world’s most prevalent toxins in animal feed.
Stuart Penrose, Global Marketing Manager for the Randox Biochip, commented;
“Not only does the Randox Antrim Show offer us the opportunity to support the local community in which Randox has grown and flourished over the years, but through this partnership we can also offer that very same community the very latest in diagnostic technology to keep their livestock safe, happy, and importantly, healthy. What your animal eats plays a huge role in their health so with Randox Food Diagnostics you can rest assured that what you are giving your livestock is of the highest quality.”
Also on offer in the Randox marquee at the Randox Antrim Show was a free health analysis, conducted by the Randox Health team. Guests to the tent had the opportunity to find out their true body age – determined by weight, height, blood pressure, fat distribution and muscle distribution, among other measurements taken by a member of the team from Randox Health, the world’s most comprehensive and personalised health screening programme.
Designed to determine the status of your current health, but also to map out your future health, Randox Health constantly works to keep your body healthy. Unlike any other health care, Randox Health doesn’t wait until you are sick to make you better. Hundreds of guests at the Randox Antrim Show queued up in their droves to find out more, and so can you. Simply click here.
For more information about the Randox Antrim Show, please contact Randox PR: email randoxpr@randox.com or phone 028 9442 2413.
Randox announced as the principal sponsor for the 2017 Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards
Causeway Chamber of Commerce has announced Randox as the principal sponsor for the 2017 Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards. The awards were officially launched today, Friday 2 June, at Dundarave Estate.
The awards are organised bi-annually by Causeway Chamber of Commerce and demonstrate the very best of business from across the region, highlighting the positive contribution that businesses make to the economy and to society as a whole.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, founder and MD of Randox, said:
“We are delighted to be sponsoring these awards for the first time, as they play a very important role in the Borough and beyond. One of the most important things the private sector can do is to celebrate and support each other. By highlighting our achievements and innovations we can inspire and motivate others, as well as increase our reach beyond these shores.”
Anthony Newman, President of Causeway Chamber, said:
“The awards have been in place since 2005 and since their conception they have prospered and become the leading event of their kind in the Borough. The Chamber Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution of businesses to their local community and the wider economy. Within our Borough we have dynamic companies that are making a positive contribution to their local communities and finding new markets for their products and services at home and further afield. Our awards acknowledge the relentless efforts of these businesses and their talented employees and it is great to see the mix of businesses at the awards, representing sectors from services to manufacturing to retail.”
Companies can enter into eighteen categories, covering business growth, new business, people development, customer service, innovation and life time achievement.
The full list of categories this year is:
- Best Tourism Attraction/Service of the Year Award sponsored by TOURISM IRELAND
- Accommodation Provider of the Year sponsored by FIRST TRUST BANK
- Training & Development Award sponsored by ULSTER UNIVERSITY
- Innovation Award sponsored by CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS BOROUGH COUNCIL
- Retailer of the Year Award sponsored by AUTOLINE INSURANCE GROUP
- Health & Wellbeing Award sponsored by PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY
- Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility Award sponsored by RIADA RESOURCING
- Small Business of the Year Award sponsored by BANK OF IRELAND
- Green Business Award sponsored by FIRMUS ENERGY
- The Creative Industries Award sponsored by ULSTER BANK
- Social Enterprise of the Year Award sponsored by MC DONALDS
- AgriBusiness of the Year Award sponsored by ATG GROUP LTD
- Best Start up Business Award sponsored by CAUSEWAY ENTERPRISE AGENCY
- Business Growth Award sponsored by DANSKE BANK
- Best New Product / Service of the Year Award sponsored by ARMSTRONG MEDICAL
- Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by CAUSEWAY COAST AND GLENS BOROUGH COUNCIL
- Best Young Person in Business Award sponsored by NORTHERN REGIONAL COLLEGE
- Good Food Award sponsored by ELECTRIC IRELAND
The closing date for entries is Friday 21 July with entrants being assessed and the finalists announced in August 2017.
We are delighted that Sarah Travers will return to compere the Awards ceremony which will take place on Friday 29 September at Ulster University, Coleraine. This is now a major event in the Borough’s social calendar, so put that date in your diary now. The Chamber promises an excellent evening so come along, network and most importantly help us celebrate and reward all that is the best in business in the Borough.
To view the award categories, please visit www.causewaycoastandglensbusinessawards.com or for further information please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
Randox announced as Antrim Show’s first title sponsor
Antrim Agricultural Society and Randox Laboratories have announced they’ve agreed a three-year deal whereby Randox will be the new title sponsor of the annual Antrim Show.
The Randox Antrim Show will take place this year on Saturday 22nd July at Shanes Castle, Antrim.
With 111 years of events under its belt, Antrim Show is one of the longest running and most highly regarded of Northern Ireland’s regional agricultural shows. It is a showcase of country life with an eclectic mix that includes the best of the best livestock competitions, equine events, local food and rural crafts, set amongst stalls, marquees and family entertainment.
Randox is one of the most important businesses in Northern Ireland. For over 35 years, it has been committed to transforming global healthcare. A world-leading medical diagnostics manufacturer, its products and services are used in hospitals, universities and laboratories in 145 countries. Spearheading the drive towards preventive healthcare, it opened Randox Health clinics across the UK to offer its diagnostic expertise directly to the public. Headquartered in Crumlin, Randox recently invested over £161m on Randox Science Park, redeveloping the former Masserene Barracks in Antrim into a state-of-the-art R&D, engineering and manufacturing hub.
Welcoming this show of support from Randox, a neighbouring company of the Show, Fred Duncan, Chairman of Antrim Agricultural Society, said:
“This partnership with Randox offers us a fantastic and refreshing opportunity to enhance our marketing plans as well as add to the Show’s offering of activities. We welcome the return of regular visitors and newcomers to enjoy our fun packed day in the country that we offer within the beautiful setting of the Shanes Castle Estate.
“Antrim Agricultural Society is a not for profit organisation. It’s thanks only to the support of sponsors and the hard work and dedication of a team of volunteers that the Show can continue to go from strength to strength.”
Randox is also well-known for its veterinary division and in line with its new commitment to equine events, through its sponsorship of the Randox Health Grand National, is developing a leading equine health programme. Show-goers are guaranteed an eye-opening experience when they visit the interactive stands at the Randox Health marquee at Shanes Castle on the 22nd July.
Randox’s Founder and Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, said:
“This partnership means a great deal to Randox and we’re delighted to work with the very committed team behind this event. Our success is in no small way down to the support we’ve received from the local community and the people who work with us, and we believe that it’s vital to give back wherever possible. This is one way of the ways we are doing that and we’re all looking forward to the very first Randox Antrim Show.”
Coinciding with the news of this valuable support from Randox, the Show has unveiled a new logo as part of a rebrand that will also include an update of the website in time for the opening of competition entries in the early half of June. To stay up to date with Randox Antrim Show’s news, visit www.facebook.com/AntrimShow.
For more information about the Randox Antrim Show please contact Randox PR on 028 9445 1016 or email RandoxPR@randox.com
