READY EGG PRODUCTS - Key Persons
Charles is a well-known and widely respected figure within the Egg Industry throughout Ireland and the UK.
He has 40 years' experience in the industry having started his career as an Egg Producer and taken all the intermediate steps through Egg Packer to Egg Processor. He set up Erne Eggs in 1978 and by 1982, he developed the business to become the Largest Egg Packer and Producer in Northern Ireland. It was a natural progression to establishing Ferne Foods which manufactured cooked egg products such as omelettes which he eventually sold to Moy Park.
Following the sale of Ferne Foods, Charles continued to develop the roots of the business, through the acquisition of Quality Egg Products. In 2007, Charles established Ready Egg Products as joint venture between Erne Eggs, Irish Egg Products and Greenfield Foods. Ready Egg Products was set up to as a response to market requirements becoming more demanding for eggs for manufacturing. Charles recognised that this created a large market for the business to expand.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Accountant
- Financial Controller
Colum, a Chartered Accountant, joined Ready Egg Products in 2009 as Financial Controller having gained experience in a variety of business areas. A graduate of both The University of Ulster and Queens University Belfast, he gained sound business experience as a Business Analyst and Company Accountant within the Insurance and Retail Motor Industry. His first step into food industry was as Financial Controller for a Sandwich Manufacturing Company.
Cynthia (nee Crawford), also known as Cindy, graduated from Queen's University Belfast in 2009 with an Honours Degree in Business Economics. Cynthia then graduated from the University of Ulster in 2010 with a Graduate Diploma in Accounting. Upon finishing university Cynthia worked in an accountancy practice in Belfast and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2013. She decided to join the family business in 2014. Since joining Ready Egg Products Cynthia has been working to upgrade systems and processes throughout the organisation. Cynthia has a varied role within the business being involved in the various aspects of day to day management alongside her Father, her Brothers, Sister-in-Law and the rest of the Management team.
Job Titles:
- H.R. and Health & Safety Manager
Jenna graduated from the University of Ulster in 2007 with an LLB in Law with Economics. Further education led to a Graduate Diploma in Accounting and a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Accounting. Working for Coca-Cola HBC in the sales and marketing team started a career in the food and drinks industry. Jenna joined the Ready Egg Products team in 2010. With a focus on creating the best working environment for staff to ensure high levels of productivity, she gained further qualifications within her role to give Tech IOSH status.
Jenna is responsible for writing, implementing and updating various H.R., environmental, ethical and health and safety policies. She continues to develop her knowledge base by attending various events throughout the UK.
Kerry graduated from Queens University Belfast with an honours degree in Food Science in 2001. Following graduation, Kerry developed her analytical skills with time spent at the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the role of Scientific Officer. This led to a hands on practical role with Lakeland Dairies where she was involved in all the day to day aspects of Quality Assurance as a Supervisor. With a keen interest in food safety, Kerry joined Quality Egg Products as Technical Manager in 2005 and has been responsible for driving the Technical and Quality Standards as the business has progressed and grown into Ready Egg Products. Along with the Technical Team, Kerry ensures that high standards of food quality and safety are maintained throughout both sites.
Kerry has continued her professional development through courses in HACCP and Food Safety in Manufacturing.
Having a background in Farming, and being interested in business, Norman decided to expand his knowledge base through a degree in Agricultural Economics and Management. Graduating with an honours degree from Queens University Belfast, he joined Erne Eggs in 1996, in the role of Packing Station Manager.
During his time in this role, he oversaw the merger of Erne Eggs with Irish Egg Products and Greenfield Foods to become Ready Egg Products. Norman then took on the role of General Manager of the newly formed business. His 20 years' experience in the egg industry allows him to anticipate and recognise trends within the supply base ensuring that customer's requirements are met at all times.
Having gained practical experience in the Erne Eggs packing centre during his school holidays, Richard wanted to join the family business. To do so he saw the need to develop his technical knowledge and understanding; he graduated in 2007 from Queens University Belfast with an Honours Degree in Biological Science. This covered a wide range of topics from parasitology to microbiology which enables him to have an overall view of the business. The combination of experience and technical knowledge gives him an understanding of each stage of the process from the welfare of the hens through to the processing and handling of the product.
Richard's commitment and knowledge has been fundamental to the company's success. He continues to develop his knowledge base within the industry and works closely with his Father.
Growing up on a poultry farm Richard always had a keen interest in the industry. He graduated from Queens University Belfast in 2009 with an honours Degree in Agriculture Technology. During his degree he studied the importance of agriculture's role in protecting our environment. Richard spent 8 years in the retail egg industry advising and supporting poultry farmers with production efficiency, animal welfare and environmental enrichment. Richard's passion is for clean growth within the industry and his role at Ready Eggs includes supporting our supply base and agricultural project management.
Thérèse has many years' experience in within the Food Industry. Armed with an honours degree in Dairy & Food Science from University College Cork, Thérèse spend a number of years working in Research & Development Roles both in corporate and factory environments.
In order to broaden her skills and widen her product portfolio, she undertook a Quality Manager role within the growing Ready Meals sector. Commercial roles combined with New Product Development, Technical & Marketing roles in various food categories have given her an understanding and knowledge of the Food Industry from factory floor to retail. Prior to joining Ready Egg Products Thérèse spent 9 years gaining experience in the Egg Industry.