This partnership will see Nespresso support Change Please in their mission to eradicate one of the UK’s biggest societal problems and change lives through the power of coffee. Nespresso’s £1 Million commitment will go towards empowering those who are experiencing homelessness with barista training, a living wage job, life admin support including securing housing and opening a bank account, mental health support and onward employment opportunities.

Long term plan

Half of the initial money (£500,000) will pay for a long-term plan and support at least 50 trainees in The Republic of Ireland. This will allow Change Please to begin its impact work in the Republic of Ireland, including the employment of a Regional Programme Manager and the set-up of a coffee training programme to build on the successful business model in the UK. A further quarter (£250,000) will cover the set up a new retail site/café in a key city where Change Please is, to support the onward employment journey of Trainees and Graduates. The rest of the money will expand and upgrade the Change Please business to ensure longevity and improve support for trainees.

From June 2024, coffee lovers will be able to purchase Nespresso for Change Please coffee blends across the Original, Vertuo and B2B systems and learn more about the partnership and the issue of homelessness at a week-long event held at the Outernet in London. Further profits made from a new collection of accessories and nationwide events will also support Change Please’s mission.

Latest data

The latest data from Shelter estimates 309,000 people are homeless in England alone, with many more at risk. In February 2024 it was reported that the number of people sleeping rough is now 61% higher than it was ten years ago and 120% higher than when data collection began in 2010.

In 2023, Change Please supported 1550 people experiencing homelessness through its programmes, and a further 720 individuals to date in 2024. It is estimated that 50 individuals in Ireland will directly from the funding.

Cemal Ezel, CEO and Founder of Change Please says: “We are extremely proud to launch this incredible partnership with Nespresso. We have seen the amazing work Nespresso does in coffee growing regions. This partnership goes beyond simply selling great coffee, it’s about using the power of business to drive social change and improve the lives of those most in need in the UK and Ireland. Through this collaboration, we are joining forces to demonstrate how companies can come together to make real change and to do good. We hope to inspire others on the transformative potential of corporate social responsibility.”

Anna Lundstrom, CEO for Nespresso UKI said; “By harnessing the positive force of coffee for over twenty years, Nespresso has reestablished and uplifted farming communities around the world through our AAA programme. Today, we are proud to extend this ethos through our partnership with Change Please, supporting its education and employment-first model to empower individuals experiencing homelessness through the transformative potential of a simple cup of coffee. Together we can enrich the lives of both our farmers and the communities in the UK and Republic of Ireland.”

*Crisis UK

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Committed to making business easy for foodservice and wholesale customers, the Musgrave MarketPlace Ballymun Food Emporium now boasts over 1,000 additional products, upgraded food and beverage zones, alongside an enhanced Food Theatre, led by Head Development Chef Clément Pavie, which enables product demonstrations, menu planning and training services for customers, as well as facilitating leading industry events.

Speaking at the launch of the new Food Emporium, Thomas Morrison, Head of Musgrave MarketPlace, said: “Today marks an exciting milestone for Musgrave MarketPlace as we launch our new Next Generation Food Emporium at our Ballymun location following a significant investment.

“We are passionate about food and are committed to creating world-class shopping experiences for our customers, staying at the cutting edge of food trends to deliver the tastes and flavours that our customers expect. We are focused on providing the most extensive food and beverage range at the best value possible with a market leading service proposition. Our Ballymun Food Emporium embodies all of these commitments,” he concluded.

Upgrades at the Ballymun site, which serves over 3,000 food outlets and retail customers every week, include a revamped and extended Butchery offering. The butchery counter and walk-in chill room expands on previous service levels, now ready to hand pick and custom-cut meat to specifications. Over 60 Irish Beef, Pork and Lamb cuts have been added to the range including an exclusive range of over 30 Butcher Prime Certified Irish Angus Beef cuts and Irish Hampshire Pork.

Customers can enjoy an enhanced beverage zone with 1,400 products on offer across premium spirits, wines, champagne, soft drinks and more, as well as the Foods of the World Zone which sources the best of Irish and authentic foods, but also including dedicated areas for authentic Italian food range, Italicatessen, and an extensive range of Asian lines.

Meanwhile, Click & Collect has been improved alongside a prioritisation on digital transformation and sustainability across the branch. As part of these upgrades, and in line with our “Growing Sustainably Every Day” strategy, Musgrave MarketPlace is reusing all existing equipment including the chill freeze structure. In addition, LED lighting has been incorporated throughout the branch, as well as introducing a recycle station and upgrading electric vehicle chargers on site.

Furthermore, the Ballymun site has also enrolled in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, run by the National Biodiversity Centre, which will see the site facilitate changes to enhance biodiversity on site supporting the local environment and wildlife.

Musgrave MarketPlace, with nine outlets across the island of Ireland, offers a nationwide distribution and delivery solution and works with over 800 Irish suppliers, stocking over 3,500 quality Irish products across its 18,000 strong core and extended product range.

This latest investment comes following the acquisition of a number of specialist and premium foodservice brands to broaden and strengthen our food and beverage leadership credentials for the benefit of both wholesale and retail customers such as La Rousse Foods and Italicatessen.

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 Young Antrim artist, Charley Bell, a 17-year old student at Methodist College Belfast, has been chosen overall winner of this year’s 70th Texaco Children’s Art Competition, taking first prize in the senior 16-18 years age category.

Her winning work, for which she receives a prize of €1,500, is entitled ‘Anticipation’ and is a painstakingly detailed portrait study in coloured pencils.

In choosing it as the overall prize winner in the Competition, Final Adjudicator and Chairman of the judging panel, Gary Granville, Professor Emeritus of Education at the National College of Art and Design, described Charley’s artwork as “an exceptionally well executed portrait, that tells of an ‘aged serenity’, of a full life with a wealth of experience and wisdom.”

“There is a subversive energy, irrepressible optimism and underlying joy in the image that belies the stereotypical portrayal of aging. This wonderful work of art well-deserves the top award in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition,” Professor Granville added.

No stranger to the Competition, Charley was also the overall Competition winner last year as well as winning Special Merit Awards in both 2020 and 2021.

The middle child of three, Charley first discovered her passion for art at a young age and went on to develop an ability to express herself more through her art works as she progressed through Grammar school. From an artistic family, older sister Carrie has won numerous Special Merit Awards in the Competition, whilst younger brother Rory has received a Commendation. With one year left to complete in school Charley believes art will play some role in her future down the line.

The inspiration for her prize-winning portrait came when she discovered a photo of an old woman and felt the emotion in her face would be fascinating to bring to life. “I like working with portraits and when I saw this photo the detailed expression on the woman’s face jumped out at me immediately. I knew it would be a challenging and interesting artwork to take on,” Charley explains.

In winning the prestigious overall prize and first place in the Category A age group, Charley and her fellow winners fought off the challenge from the young artists across Ireland who took part in the Competition. Amongst them are the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and the fifteen Special Merit awards recipients in each of seven categories for which prizes are presented, including a category reserved for special needs children.

In Category A (16-18 years), other top winners were Donegal student, Weronika Jarowinska (age 16), a pupil at Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny who won second prize (€1,000) for her work entitled ‘Man to Machine’. Third prize (€750) went to Clare student, Eimear Fitzgerald (age 16), a pupil at Ennis Art School, for her work entitled ‘Best Friends’.

In Category B (14-15 years), first prize (€450) was won by Galway student, Darragh Granahan (age 15), from Gort Community School, for his work entitled ‘Unconditional Love’. Second prize (€350) went to Donegal student, Kerri Doherty (age 15), from Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town, for her work entitled ‘Granda’s Turn!’. A previous winner, Kerri won third prize in the 12-13 years age category in 2022 and a Special Merit Award in category B last year. Third prize (€250) was won by Limerick student, David MacAodha (age 15), a pupil at Coláiste Íde Agus Iosef, Abbeyfeale, for his work entitled ‘A Forgotten Life’. David won a Special Merit Award in the 12-13 years age category in 2021.

In Category C (12-13 years), first prize (€350) went to Mayo student, Charlotte Greham (age 12), from Breaffy National School, Ballina, for her artwork entitled ‘Inspiration’. Second prize (€250) was won by 13-years old Laois student Beth Phelan, from Paint Pots Art Group, Ballyfin, for her work entitled ‘The Farmhouse’. Third prize (€200) went to Meath student, Nicole Doherty (age 13), from Clarke Art Studio, Ratoath, for her work entitled ‘Contemplating’. Nicole won first prize in the 9-11 years age category in 2022.

In Category D (9-11 years), first prize (€250) has been won by 11-years old Clare student, Emily Coffey, a pupil at C.B.S. Ennis, for her work entitled ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’. Second prize (€200) was won by Cork student, Philippa Costello (age 10), a pupil at Watergrasshill National School, for her work entitled ‘My Community’. Third prize (€150) went to Kildare student, Danil Korolko (age 10) from Chóca Naofa Kilcock, for a work entitled ‘The Big Bang’.

In Category E (7-8 years), first prize (€200) was won by 8-years old Clare student, Sinéad Azkorbebeitia, from Ennis Art School, for her self-portrait. Second prize (€150) was won by Westmeath student, Nicholas Glynn (age 8) from All Saints’ National School, Mullingar, for his work entitled ‘Lost Little Lambs (Moate Park, Roscommon)’. A previous winner, Nicholas won Special Merit Awards last year and in 2022. Third prize (€125) went to Dublin student, Sophie Wardell (age 8), from Oakmount Crèche, UCD, for her work entitled ‘The Electric Bolt’.

In Category F (6 years and younger) – the youngest age group in the Competition – first prize (€150) was won by 4-year old Louth student, Tadhg Traynor, from Rainbow Club, Drogheda, for his work entitled ‘Dog’. Second prize (€125) went to Donegal student, Charles (Dominic) Gallagher (age 6), a pupil at St. Mary’s National School, Lifford, for his work entitled ‘Moving Oceans’. Last year, Charles (Dominic) also won second prize in the same age category. Third prize (€100) was won by Cork student, Sofia-May Kenefick (age 6), a pupil at Blarney Street C.B.S., for her work entitled ‘The Emotion Picture’.

In Category G, first prize of €1,500 was won by 18-years old James Moonan, from The Arthouse, Drogheda, for his work entitled ‘The Wren’s Nest’. A multiple previous winner, James also won first prize in Category G of the Competition in 2023, 2021, 2020, and in 2019, second prize in 2018, and Special Merit Awards in 2022 and 2017. Second prize (€1,000) went to Antrim student, Zara Craig, (age 16), a pupil at Ballyclare High School, for her work entitled ‘L’Ombre’. Also a multiple previous winner, Zara won first prize in the same category in 2022, second prize in 2021, and Special Merit Awards in 2020 and 2019. Third prize (€200) was won by Dublin student, Sofia Regan, (age 12), from Blackrock, for her work entitled ‘This is Me’.

James Twohig

Paying tribute to the young artists ‘whose imagination, creativity and love of art have been at the heart of the Competition since its inception seven decades ago’, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations at Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited – the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – expressed gratitude to the parents, families and teachers who “encourage children to see in art an outlet through which to demonstrate their individuality and unique talent and ability”.

“Despite the many worldly attractions and devices that vie for the attention of today’s youth, it is extremely gratifying to know that many continue to show an enduring interest in art and to demonstrate their ability in the magnificent prize-winning entries we see today,” he said.

Judging

Final judging was carried out by the Chairman of the judging panel, Gary Granville, Professor Emeritus of Education at the National College of Art & Design. Supporting him in the adjudication process was a group of preliminary judges, each one a distinguished figure in the world of art in Ireland. They are: Dr. Denise Ferran (artist, art historian, and former President of the Royal Ulster Academy); Eoin Butler (artist and lecturer in visual arts); Marie Connole (artist, teacher and previous Texaco Children’s Art Competition winner); Noelle McAlinden (artist, curator and creative adviser) and Hetty Lawlor (artist, previous Texaco Children’s Art Competition winner and Sky Portrait Artist of the Year finalist).

Ireland’s longest-running Sponsorship

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955. This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists have had their talents recognised and a springboard on which many have risen to national prominence. Aside from giving students the space to give expression to their talent and skill, the Competition has focused a spotlight on the quality of art teaching in Irish schools and the importance that the educational establishment attaches to the subject of art education.

Past winners whose early interest in art and the arts may well have been encouraged by their participation in the Competition include artists, Robert Ballagh, Bernadette Madden, Dorothy Cross, and the late Graham Knuttel, fashion designer Paul Costelloe, and artist and former broadcaster Thelma Mansfield. Other notable past winners include former Minister, Ruairi Quinn (a four-times winner), communications consultant and broadcaster Terry Prone, Former ICTU Secretary and Chairman of the Pension Authority David Begg, actress Jean Anne Crowley, musician Ethna Tinney, Trinity College Professor of Contemporary Irish History Eunan O’Halpin and the late novelist Clare Boylan.

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The €2.7m revamp of the Centra store in Ferns will create an additional 12 jobs in the local area. Officially launched on March 15, the store now has an extended range of top-quality produce including the Happy Pear range, Inspired by Centra range, Prepared by Our Butcher range, the Own Brand Centra range, Moo’d Ice-Cream, and Frank & Honest coffee.

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The family-owned Dublin-based Milish Bakery has, today (22.04.2024), announced that it has secured a multi-million deal with retailer Marks & Spencer to supply its signature muffins to 640 M&S stores throughout the UK and Ireland.

This milestone agreement not only underscores Milish Bakery’s commitment to excellence but also reflects M&S’ dedication to supporting Irish suppliers and promoting the finest quality products to their customers.

The deal is a significant boost for the bakery, which has increased its workforce by 20% within the company’s operations at the Citywest site to meet the heightened demand from M&S’ network of stores across the UK and Ireland. These positions will encompass a range of roles spanning production, logistics, and quality control, further bolstering the bakery’s workforce and contributing to local employment growth.

Milish muffins stocked in M&S will be produced using only fresh, free-Range M&S Select Farm Irish eggs and fresh buttermilk ensuring quality for customers across Ireland and the UK. The range of muffins which will be stocked in M&S stores include Lemon, Blueberry, Victoria Sponge and Chocolate muffins.

Gary McCarney, Technical Director at Milish Bakery commented: “As producers, we do everything we can to ensure that all of the muffins we make are the best they can possibly be. Given our core focus as a producer on quality, we’re delighted to have that recognition by M&S and partner with them in bringing our product to customers both across Ireland and the UK.

“Our bakery takes pride in our artisanal approach to baking. We combine traditional methods with modern techniques to ensure top-quality sweet treats. Our batch baking process allows us to be flexible and create custom recipes, flavours, and packaging options, and all of our produce is completely free from artificial additives.”

Eddie Murphy, Country Director for Marks & Spencer Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “As part of our ambitious growth plans, we are dedicated to doubling the number of Irish suppliers we collaborate with, reflecting our commitment to sourcing highest quality Irish products which offer real value to our customers. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of our food business in Ireland and we’re delighted to announce this partnership with Milish Bakery and to welcome them as trusted suppliers into the M&S family.

“We have been hugely impressed by the high standards at Milish, from sourcing the finest quality ingredients from across the island of Ireland to their expert production processes that underscore the bakery’s dedication to creating the very best for shoppers.”

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