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 Dublin 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 €17.24 billion/£14.6 billion, clearly showcasing the opportunity available to businesses seeking to expand beyond local markets.
Hosted by Áine Kerr, Trade Connects Dublin 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.
Keynote speaker Neil O’Brien, author and business coach, said:
What stood out to me at Trade Connects Dublin was the ambition and openness of the people in the room. Growth starts with a willingness to embrace change, challenge your thinking and step outside your comfort zone.
Throughout the day, attendees heard practical insights on topics such as AI, sales and cross-border trade, but just as importantly, they had the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences and learn from different perspectives. Often, the smallest conversations can spark the biggest opportunities, and I hope everyone left feeling inspired, empowered and ready to take the next step in their business journey.
Trade Connects Dublin 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.
The next Trade Connects event takes place on October 21st at the ICC, Belfast.
