Cross-Border trade represents major untapped growth opportunity for SMEs
Businesses across the island of Ireland are being encouraged to look beyond their local market and explore the significant growth opportunities available across the border, InterTradeIreland's Trade Connects Belfast event heard today.
The event, which brought together SMEs, industry experts and business leaders, comes against the backdrop of record cross-border trade, now valued at £14.6 billion/€17.24 billion, clearly showcasing the opportunity available to businesses seeking to expand beyond local markets.
Hosted by Áine Kerr, Trade Connects Belfast showcased how businesses can use cross-border trade as a stepping stone to international growth. Attendees gained valuable insights from those with first-hand experience of trading across borders, while a series of tailored masterclasses provided practical strategies to drive business success.
Suzanne Hill, Global Business Consultant and Founder of AI for SMEs, demonstrated how AI can be leveraged to streamline operations, enhance customer experience and boost productivity. Meanwhile, performance coach Seanie Myler led his masterclass, Sales for SMEs: Harnessing the Power of the Seller, sharing practical techniques to strengthen sales performance, build confidence and help businesses unlock new growth opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Margaret Hearty, Chief Executive of InterTradeIreland, said:
For many SMEs across the island, some of the most significant growth opportunities are available right on their doorstep.
Today’s event demonstrates the enormous opportunity to explore new routes to growth and build connections with businesses who have already successfully expanded into new markets. Our unique role at InterTradeIreland is to help businesses identify those opportunities and give them the confidence, knowledge and support needed to act on them.
Cormac Carville, Co-Founder and Managing Director of County Down based company Yardbox said:
As a business that has successfully grown its customer base across the island, we've seen first-hand the value of embracing new markets and building strong connections. Trading across the island has been a key driver of Yardbox's growth, and it was fantastic to share that experience during the Trade Connects business panel. The discussion highlighted the many opportunities available to SMEs, and I enjoyed hearing how other business leaders have navigated challenges, built resilience and pursued growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Trade Connects Belfast is part of InterTradeIreland's ongoing commitment to strengthen all-island trade and help businesses identify new opportunities to grow, scale and compete. To date, InterTradeIreland has directly supported more than 65,000 businesses across the island.
