Enterprise Ireland North America recently hosted it’s first ever ‘Built Environment Week’ which took place in Enterprise Ireland HQ, Dublin in late March.

The initiative focused on highlighting the opportunities within North America for clients and was divided into three core verticals in which Irish companies have a unique offering.

Data Centre

Fourteen key executives from the US data centre industry met with representatives from fifteen Enterprise Ireland client companies for a series of client pitching sessions, business meetings, and a US/ Irish panel discussion. Following on from this, the group of both US executives and Irish clients travelled to Co. Cork to tour two client facilities. Bob Savage from EMC also joined the group to share his perspectives on doing business in Ireland in the data centre industry.

Oil and Gas

Six advisors from the US and Canada spoke to a number of Irish client companies about the North American Oil and Gas industry and the opportunities within it, the emerging trends and new extraction methods which are creating transformational effects on the industry and supply chain. The following day, one to one meetings were arranged to allow for greater in-depth discussions. This event was used as a prequel to the upcoming Trade Mission to Texas from May 4th-6th.

Construction

The construction stream of the Built Environment initiative involved bringing together seven key construction advisors from the US and Canada and facilitating a panel discussion with six relevant client companies. Following on from the open discussion, clients had the opportunity to pitch their US market plans and gain valuable feedback from the advisors. One to one meetings also provided an opportunity to discuss plans and market opportunities in more depth. Part two of the construction event saw the US advisors attend a client facility to see first hand the strong capability of many of our Irish client companies.

Aidan Hayes, SVP Construction, Engineering and BPO at Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland’s North American Built Environment week has been a great showcase and rich learning experience for Irish Companies targeting export growth in the US and Canada. Through quality interaction with North American industry experts, advisors and buyers, Enterprise Ireland’s client companies have built relationships and further developed trade links with the North American market, which provides an abundance of opportunity for Irish companies.”