Increase in exhibits at cross border expo

Over 200 business delegates attended a Cross Border Business Support Expo hosted by Newry and Dundalk Chambers of Commerce and supported by InterTradeIreland, Local Enterprise Office Louth on the 27th January in the Carrickdale Hotel.

Thomas McEvoy, representing the Local Enterprise Office Louth commented 'We are delighted to sponsor this important business event. It provides an opportunity for those interested in starting or developing their business to find out more about the help that's available - which is what the Local Enterprise Office is about. A range of supports are open to business, including business training for owners and managers. Details are available on our website at www.localenterprise.ie/Louth.

Michael Gaynor President of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce stated that this was the fifth Cross Border Expo to take place in recent years. “The ‘Business support platform format used for the Expo has been very successful one, he said, judging by the increase in exhibitors and delegates attending the event this year.

President Michael McKeown of Newry Chamber stated, ‘as joint organisers of this annual event, Newry Chamber was delighted with its success in terms of networking opportunities created and the opening of communication channels between local businesses and Support Agencies’.

‘There is a wide selection of business support programmes currently offered to small businesses; however, there is some confusion within the business community about where to look for support and exactly what businesses can avail of. In this evolving economic climate local businesses need to take advantage of all appropriate support opportunities open to them. This event provided a unique forum for business owners and managers to speak directly to all the local Business Support Providers on a one-to-one basis, on one day, under one roof’.

Over 25 Business Support Agencies catering for the needs of businesses located within the Newry Dundalk region exhibited at this Expo; exhibitors included, InterTradeIreland, Local Enterprise Office Louth, Invest NI, Newry Mourne & Down District Council, Louth County Council, Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency, Southern Regional College, Department of Employment & Learning, Louth Regional Development Centre, Enterprise Ireland, Employability Louth, all of the main lending institutions.

Mr Paddy Savage, Operations Manager at InterTradeIreland said, ‘we are delighted to support this important cross – border business event again this year. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind local companies that we currently have a broad range of support packages for businesses interested in doing cross – border business or looking for networking/ partnering opportunities across the island. Details are on our website intertradeireland.com’’