Barbara Orr

Barbara leads the Innovation and Entrepreneurship teams at InterTradeIreland, championing cross‑border innovation, collaborative growth and investor readiness across the island. Her teams have delivered programmes generating €15.5m in new turnover, 163 jobs and €10.7m in investment, with 75% of participating businesses now more confident pursuing cross‑border innovation. With over 25 years’ experience in industry and Economic Development, Barbara brings deep insight into what enables innovation‑driven SMEs to thrive. She previously led the Innovate UK Business Growth Service in Northern Ireland, helping scaling companies secure £10m in grants and investment in the past year, and delivered the MEABC Amplify Growth Strategy, supporting more than 1,000 businesses and creating £32.5m in economic impact. Her career is defined by a commitment to entrepreneurial ambition, ecosystem building and delivering high‑impact programmes that create lasting change.