Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD will address local business owners and entrepreneurs at the event. Commenting on the clinic, the Minister said, “The UK remains an important trading partner, however Brexit and the uncertainty around the impacts it will have on businesses, is a serious concern. Regional entrepreneurs are the backbone of the economy and the Government of Ireland, through Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland, is ensuring that these businesses are equipped to deal with Brexit, and the possibility of tougher regulations on trading with the UK, appropriately. Businesses in the border region are particularly exposed to the challenges presented by Brexit. I am pleased therefore that Enterprise Ireland, an agency under the remit of my own Department and Intertrade Ireland are holding this event in Cootehill today so that local businesses can hear about the various practical supports and advice that are available to them.”
This full-day event is the result of a partnership between Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland and is free to attend. It is the first event to be run jointly by the two agencies. Companies from both north and south of the border will have the opportunity to speak one-to-one with independent experts, who will provide company-specific guidelines and advice, while allowing company managers, founders and CEOs to privately discuss their circumstances and concerns.
Anne Lanigan, Brexit Unit Manager, Enterprise Ireland said, “The Brexit Advisory Clinic series is a key element of our Brexit supports for companies on the border and nationwide. The events provide Irish companies with access to independent experts who can highlight potential risks and advise on immediate mitigating actions specific to their business. One hundred per cent of attendees at recent clinics are now taking action to prepare for Brexit, so it is our objective that companies in this region will benefit in the same way.
Brexit presents both challenges and opportunities for companies with global ambition, and Enterprise Ireland can provide the practical supports companies need to build resilience into their business in order to strengthen their presence in the UK, while also diversifying into new international markets.”
Aidan Gough, Director, InterTradeIreland said, “"The economies on both sides of the border are highly interconnected, as illustrated by our "Cross-border trade and supply chain linkages" report unveiled earlier this month, which showed that for over half (51 per cent) of Irish exporters, Northern Ireland is the destination for more than 50 per cent of their exports. This is no more so true than in border areas where we see a particularly high level of connectivity and interdependence.
"It's especially important for companies in the border region to start thinking about how Brexit might impact them and ask key questions about where they buy their supplies from, as well as where and how they sell their products. InterTradeIreland, as the cross-border trade body, is uniquely placed to help companies start this process and we are delighted to host this event, focused on practical help, with Enterprise Ireland."
The event will conclude with a panel discussion with local business leaders who will share best practice tips in the four key areas, and the actions they have taken as a response to Brexit.
