Chamber Facilitates Key Cross-Border Trade Meeting
County Wexford Chamber recently organised a crucial meeting between InterTrade Ireland and key businesses to discuss cross-border trade and the various supports available to businesses trading with Northern Ireland.
InterTrade Ireland plays a vital role in connecting and assisting businesses in trading cross-border, fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration, and attracting investment. There has been significant growth in cross-border trade, which surged from €2 billion in 1998 to €12 billion in 2022. This growth underscores the importance and potential of cross-border economic activities.
Northern Ireland: A Springboard to Other Markets
Northern Ireland offers businesses a strategic advantage, acting as a springboard to other markets. By tapping into the expertise available across the island, businesses can innovate, become more competitive, and accelerate their development. InterTrade Ireland’s support enables businesses to leverage the all-island business economy, and its work includes fostering collaboration, clusters, and networks that enhance cross-border trade.
Trade Hub: Go-To Resource for Cross-Border Trade
InterTrade Ireland’s Trade Hub is a dedicated digital service that offers up-to-date, relevant, and free trade information. The Hub includes a tailored consultancy service covering customs, VAT, regulations, and employment. It also assists businesses in setting up operations across the border and understanding changes in labelling when selling cross-border. Businesses can avail of fully funded consultancy support up to the value of €2,300 (£2,000).
Additionally, the Trade Hub offers webinars on crucial and topical areas of trade development, ensuring businesses have access to the latest insights and knowledge. The Go-2-Tender programme, for instance, helps businesses tap into the all-island public procurement market, estimated to be worth €21 billion (£18 billion). This programme includes online workshops and mentoring packages designed to enhance tendering skills and success rates.
Comprehensive Trade Supports
InterTrade Ireland provides a range of supports to facilitate cross-border trade and business development. The Acumen programme offers financial support to hire sales personnel, market research, tailored recruitment, and sales training. This programme is designed to boost sales and market presence, providing businesses with the resources they need to expand their operations.
Innovation support is another critical area, with funding available to explore innovative solutions and develop implementation plans. The Innovation Boost funding supports business-to-business partnerships, fostering collaborative innovation across the island.
The Career Boost programme offers a postgraduate diploma in innovation management, with graduate salaries funded up to 50%. This initiative helps businesses attract and retain top talent while fostering a culture of innovation.
THRIVE: Enhancing SME Innovation
The THRIVE programme is an SME innovation initiative focused on enhancing innovative capability and competitive advantage. This 12-month programme targets CEOs and those responsible for innovation within SMEs, aiming to develop leadership capabilities and drive innovation.
InterTrade Ireland also supports the development of collaboration, clusters, and networks across the island. These initiatives enable businesses to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate on projects that drive economic growth and innovation.
Trade Clinic in Wexford
A Trade Clinic will be held on October 23rd in Wexford, providing local businesses with an opportunity to engage directly with InterTrade Ireland representatives. This event, held in a local hotel, will offer tailored advice and insights into cross-border trade opportunities and supports.
Photo caption: (l-r): Deirdre O’Flynn, County Wexford Chamber; Niamh Hogan, Holos Skincare; Grace Nolan, AirconMech; Sara Doran, Wexford Home Preserves; Una McGoey, InterTrade Ireland; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; Mark Crosbie, Pro-Reliability Solutions; and Melissa Carroll, CustomsAgent.ie.