17 February, 2016

In association with Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and Rubicon Centre 'Stepping stones to the UK' will take place on Wednesday, 16 March from 9:30 - 13:30 in the Nimbus Centre, CIT. The seminar will include nuggets of information for Irish SMEs that aspire to entering the UK market. Speakers on the day will include: Chris Lyons, EEN Bristol; Shirley McCay, Director of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in Dublin and Dirk Schaefer, Manager of the University of Warwick Science Park. The speakers will talk about opportunities for Irish SMEs who are looking to export, identify partnerships or start trading in the UK.

The UK market is a key market for Irish companies and accounts for €4 out of every €10 generated in total worldwide export sales from Ireland, with an estimated 48,000 Irish people running their business in Britain ('Access Great Britain', Enterprise Ireland, 2014). Over €1.32 billion (GB£1 billion) of trade in goods and services is carried out between Britain and Ireland every week, with both countries being amongst the fastest growing economies in Europe presently.

Geographically close, the UK marketplace, with a population of 64 million, is on Ireland's doorstep with similar operating environments. It's an obvious choice for many companies when looking outwards. By being present in the UK, Irish companies are connected to a wealth of opportunities, especially in Construction/Engineering, Technology, Business and Financial Services, Food and Drink, and Agritech. Irish SMEs that have successfully entered the UK market will provide cases studies on the day. Following a complimentary light lunch, attendees will have the option of booking 1:1 meetings with the support agencies at the seminar. Please specify in the registration comments box if you wish to avail of a 1:1 meeting.

Contact katherine@corkchamber.ie for more information.

This event is open to members of the public as well as members of the Cork Chamber. You can register your interest by following the link below. http://www.corkchamber.ie/events/2016/03/16/Stepping-stones-to-the-UK