InterTradeIreland, in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade and Invest Northern Ireland hosted their latest cross-border-trade event in the Guildhall, Derry-Londonderry on Wednesday 26th March 2025. With a focus on ‘Maximising your export potential through Cross-Border Trade’, the event equipped local businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the cross-border market and beyond.
Speaking about the event, Grant Gilmore, InterTradeIreland’s Senior Trade Manager, commented:
Cross-border trade has hit a new high of €15/£12 billion for the mutual benefit of both economies in Ireland and Northern Ireland and with our support, there is scope for further growth. We would encourage local businesses to explore their closest export market as an easy first step to exporting off the island.
Richard Elliott, Head of Creative Services, Department for Business and Trade, Northern Ireland said:
With new customers and suppliers right on your doorstep, the cross-border market is the perfect place to start your exporting journey.
With support on offer from the Department for Business and Trade, InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland, you have access to a network that is here to help you succeed. The UK Export Academy is already being used by hundreds of local companies to build their exporting capability and is completely free of charge.
Thanks to InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland for partnering with us to deliver another successful event for businesses across NI.
Moira Loughran, Head of Exports at Invest Northern Ireland said:
Northern Ireland’s export performance continues to surpass other UK regions, with exports to RoI increasing by 6 per cent to £4.4billion in 2024. This increase underscores the strength and resilience of our local businesses.
Collaboration between partners like InterTradeIreland and the Department for Business and Trade is essential to sustain this momentum, providing companies with the resources and support needed to explore new markets, boost export potential and achieve ongoing success. It was great to be in Derry to showcase how Invest NI can help local businesses export.
At the event, a line-up of expert speakers included Gary McArdle, Full Circle Management Solutions and Kevin Shakespeare, The Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade. A wealth of knowledge was shared on the day covering the breadth of fully funded and easily accessible supports available to local businesses as well as practical tips and advice to grow sales in new markets and how to navigate upcoming customs changes associated with the Windsor Framework.
Attendees also heard from business leaders representing local companies including Dog Ears and Fleming Agri, who shared their experiences of achieving successful cross-border and international growth with the support of InterTradeIreland, the Department for Business and Trade and Invest NI. The panellists, including Nigel Irvine from Specialist Export Solutions, shared some excellent tips including the importance of researching your next export market, developing partnerships in new markets and building connections.
