Anglo-Irish trade group seeking to build on success

Agnes Fitzgerald and Donal Bannon of Morecrofts Solicitors, the first IBE member

An Anglo-Irish trade group is aiming to double its membership after a successful inaugural year.

The Irish Business Enterprise (IBE) was set up by Agnes Fitzgerald and Richard Dickinson in Liverpool in October 2017.

Its purpose was to connect businesses with Irish interests to ease, and encourage, trading links, particularly in such uncertain times following the Brexit Referendum and the impact it could have on cross-border dealings.

Agnes said she wanted to help business partners connect with each other to share knowledge and expertise, where relevant.

Since formation IBE has grown to a 32-strong organisation, including personal, business, and corporate members.

Agnes said: “Helping the membership maintain active relations across the Irish Sea, through the uncertainty, has been continuously discussed.

“Also, helping our members to continue trading directly with the European Union, irrespective of the Brexit outcome, is crucial.”

Members range from a major international hotels group, to an international serviced office supply group, a listed UK bank and a large North West law firm.

These have a sizeable presence in major UK and Irish cities.

In addition to large household names, IBE is building a strong regional presence.

These range in activity from financial services and payment systems, through to specialist healthcare groups and the leisure sector.

Agnes explained: “The role of IBE is to help bring businesses with Irish interests together, both within and outside of the existing membership, wherever there is a common goal.

“The traditional networking is twofold. Throughout the year there are a few open networking events, including celebrating St Patrick’s Day, which are open to the public. Then there are the members’ marketing meetings.”

These are between members and companies specifically requested by members.

IBE also organises small scale, discreet meetings and events for members where there is a specific need, and privacy is paramount.

Agnes said: “A key objective is for IBE to work closely with each and every member, so that their goals and expectations are fully understood, putting IBE in prime position to develop connections on their behalf.”

She added: “In our first year we have grown to 32 members.

“We are delighted to have helped those members grow their trade and their links in the UK and other markets. The value of business done, we cannot divulge because of our members’ confidentiality policy.

“But the goal of IBE for 2019 is to double membership and enjoy an even more successful second year.”

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