Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is celebrating the hugely successful launch of its latest networking series, An Audience with Robin Barr.

W Robin G Barr, the former Chair of Irn-Bru parent company A.G. Barr, shared the secrets of his and his family’s success at a special evening held in The Albany in Greenock.

Organised by Inverclyde’s leading business network, the new event enabled Inverclyde entrepreneurs the opportunity to hear first-hand about the journey of the Barr family, as well as Robin’s successes having first joined A.G. Barr in 1960.

Over 70 people attended the event, including several school children who were invited by ICC as part of their business studies, in a new complementary arrangement between the Chamber and the local secondary schools.

Robin, who was Chair for 31 years and a director for 44 years before stepping down in 2009, oversaw the growth of its brands and Irn-Bru as the nation’s favourite soft drink and remains a part of the company as a Non-Executive Director of the proud family business, which was first created in 1875 by Robert Barr.

Throughout the evening, Robin provided an insight into how the business has continued to survive, grow and develop as well as his views on future trends within the soft drinks industry and some of the background information on its acquisitions, marketing and exporting.

To round off the evening, Robin fielded questions from the attendees for over an hour which included questions about the UK sugar levy, diversification and floating on the stock exchange.

Gavin McDonagh, President of ICC, said:

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Robin for choosing Greenock to share his inspirational stories and being so generous with his time in enabling the attendees to learn more about AG Barr.”

“Inverclyde Chamber continues to enhance its offer to the local business community and it is clear that this type of event is a welcome addition to our membership offer.”

Reflecting on the event, Robin Barr said:

“It was a delight to return to Inverclyde, an area I know so well given Barr’s former factory and warehouse in Greenock.

I’d like to thank both Inverclyde Chamber and the attendees for their generosity and warmth towards both AG Barr and me.”   

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The event format is the newest addition to the ICC networking offer, growing on the ‘a look into’ roadshow series launched in October 2019. In August, ICC shared its new five-year strategy focused on enhancing the Inverclyde business network and its membership.

Inverclyde Chamber is the area’s premier member network and business support organisation for business people from all backgrounds and sectors.

ICC plans several events through the “An Audience with” format in the coming months, with leading entrepreneurs sharing best practice, advice and future trends and will announce its next event in this format in December 2019.

For more information on future ICC Events, click here.