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Budding entrepreneurs featured in the show are guided through each step required to turn their innovative ideas into viable business ventures.

From creating a business plan and preparing marketing and distribution strategies, to advice on legal, accounting and taxation issues, participants in the programme are provided with all the professional assistance needed to overcome the initial challenges of launching their own business.

In the case of Rupert's Farm Beer, Bullseye Food Marketing was called on to supply instrumental advice and encouragement to owner-manger, Rupert Jones who is in the process of establishing his own beer label. As part of Bullseye Marketing's consultation services, the marketing firm helped Rupert's Farm Beer develop a professional brand identity, brand strategy and marketing plan. Managing director of Bullseye, Conor Hyde, also played a key mentoring role by advising on other vital issues such as packaging, pricing, promotions and distribution strategies.

According to Conor Hyde, the new RTÉ 1 show will act as an important source of inspiration for those in agri-business:

"Viewers will be given a realistic picture of the highs and lows of running your own agri-business. At a time when an increasing number of people are attempting to use their entrepreneurial skills to combat the effects of the recession, I'm delighted that RTÉ has decided to commission this show. It's important to nurture a sense of enterprise and innovation within rural communities. We often hear debate about developing Ireland's ‘smart economy' but it is equally important to support our traditional industries such as food and farming. It's not just a way of maintaining vibrant rural communities. In terms of improving our economy, there is also plenty of export potential for niche Irish food brands. With professional marketing and mentoring Ireland can further develop its reputation as Europe's gourmet food island".

Conor hopes that RTÉ will continue to support educational projects of this type that focus on entrepreneurialism. "It's great to put this type of information in the public domain so that potential food entrepreneurs can learn from the achievements of others. I'd also like to see educational projects established in primary and secondary schools so that from a young age children and teenagers can learn the basics of food business and have an awareness of its significance to our economy," he says.

The Rupert's Farm Beer episode of ‘Higher Ground' will be broadcast on RTÉ 1on the 2nd Sept 2009 at 8:30pm.

For more information about Bullseye Food Marketing, please visit our website at http://www.bullseye.ie

Further information about the RTÉ One series, Higher Ground, can be found at: http://www.rte.ie/tv/higherground/