11 individuals from County Carlow recently returned from the International Business Festival (IBF) which is the world’s biggest business festival. Hosted every two years in its home city of Liverpool, the festival captures the dynamism and diversity of the global marketplace. The goal is to give businesses the space, support and expertise they need to make connections, do deals and realise their potential.
Speaking about the Educational Trade Mission, Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council said “In County Carlow we have been working extremely hard to build economic objectives into our international relationships and this exchange is part of a series of missions that will see Carlow companies and organisationsvisit London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff and Paris during 2018 and Carlow County Council receiving delegations from the USA, China, Wales and France during 2018”, Holohan continued to say “In the context of Brexit, it has never been more important to support Irish companies to achieve their global potential and build connections in the UK and across the globe”, “Throughout these international exchanges we will continue to promote County Carlow industry, its innovative capabilities and the competitive offers of County Carlow companies”.
As part of its visit facilitated by Liverpool Enterprise Partnership and the Local Enterprise Office - Carlow, the delegation had a formal exchange meeting with Deputy Mayor of Liverpool & Cabinet Member - Business Economy & Skills, Gary Millar about the opportunities available between Liverpool and County Carlow with an open invitation extended for a return visit for further development opportunities. Facilitating the meeting with the Mayor Pauline Hoctor, Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office said, “engagements like this between private companies, state agencies and representative organisations are driven with the brief that by working in partnership that we can be a positive force for change and our projects and programmes provide an opportunity for propelling economic growth”.
Brian O’Farrell, Chief Executive with County Carlow Chamber attended the Educational Trade Mission and commenting on same said “building networks is essential for any business and this mission provided a platform for County Carlow to build on its international reputation”, O’Farrell continued “There is great energy and positivity in County Carlow at present and I would encourage all businesses to engage in the development of the their networks and look for opportunities both home and abroad”.
Image Caption: Delegation from County Carlow who met with Deputy Mayor of Liverpool, Gary Millar as part of an Educational Trade Mission to the International Business Festival on June 20th & 21st. From left to right, William Mc Hutcheon, Cheryl Stanley, (Ballyshane Boards), Donal O'Beirne, (Hoofprints Innovations), Barry Curry, (Systeme), Pauline Hoctor (LEO - Carlow), Deputy Mayor Gary Millar, Brian O’Farrell, (County Carlow Chamber) Dan Whelan, (Daniel Whelan Engineering), Peadar Casey, (IT Carlow), Darran Graham, (Daniel Whelan Engineering), Brian Ogilvie, (IT Carlow), Matt Harvey, (INVEST Liverpool).
