A change in staffing also occurred in the organisation. We acknowledge the contribution of Thomas Hunter McGowan to ITI, who resigned as Chief Executive – we wish him well in his new role. We also added a number of new staff to various programmes, and I am confident that they will make a major contribution to ITI in the years ahead.

During the year three highly respected board members – Joanne Spain, Rosemary Delaney and Professor Terri Scott – finished their terms on the ITI board. Their commitment and support for ITI’s work has been immense. We are indebted to them.

We have achieved a number of notable successes during the year including the launch of the Brexit Advisory Service to SMEs in Belfast and Dublin. A further highlight in September was the official launch of the Co-Innovate Programme, which is helping SMEs learn about the benefits of innovation, identify opportunities for growth in their business and create a vision to make it happen.

As an organisation, our mission is to drive competitiveness, jobs and growth by improving connectivity between businesses and vital resource providers on a cross-border basis through the twin pillars of innovation and trade.

In my first year as Chair, it has been my privilege to witness excellent strategies being applied to research and policy development across ITI. A key priority for ITI in 2018 will be to prioritise those areas of research which will be critical to businesses in a future post-Brexit world. This will require effective engagement with all our stakeholders – and we look forward to the emerging partnership opportunities.

On behalf of the InterTradeIreland team, I wish you and your families a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

He led the Trade team in InterTradeIreland from its inception and his ability to work with wit, humour and good natured charm ensured that he forged a legacy of building relationships both business and personal that will withstand for years to come.

Outside of work Paddy had many interests, none more so than his love of his dogs, Dún who was his faithful companion for over 15 years and Jessie. His love of the outdoors and in particular, Dingle and the Kerry peninsula meant that he was happiest when on the beach with the pups on summer and Christmas breaks.

The other great interest and indeed love outside of InterTradeIreland was Paddy’s avid and most knowledgeable dedication to Gaelic football. As a player in his youth, a Coach to the Minors and his position as Ballyholland GAC Secretary for over 20 years is testimony to this. His sporting interest and general knowledge meant that he was a force to reckon with at Pub Quiz’s and indeed he was the InterTradeIreland Quiz Master for many years at our Annual Christmas get together.

It is by InterTradeIreland staff, past and present, that he will be most missed, especially within his team. Paddy provided a network of contacts and knowledge of AA route finder that was to be revered. Yet, most importantly, he provided a friendship to all who met him and an openness to engage. He was the person you could ask if you needed a favour and he would always oblige. His good nature and insight meant that all who met him remembered him and indeed his phone was always one of the busiest with calls.

In a world of ever changing business environments, Paddy’s legacy demonstrates that ultimately it is people and the ability to engage, irrespective of views or purpose that ensures success. It has been a privilege to have worked with him and learnt from him and all at InterTradeIreland are proud to have called him our friend.

InterTradeIreland is pleased to announce dates for our 2017 monthly regional clinics aimed at helping companies seeking equity investment.

The clinics will be delivered by our venture professional, Drew O’Sullivan.  Drew will be available to meet with companies to advise independently on their fund raising activities including business plan review, investment pitch practice and signposting to investors across the island.  This service is provided free of charge with pre screening under taken in advance to ensure companies using the service meet the minimum criteria.

To be eligible for this service the company must have a minimum new equity funding requirement of €100,000.  We will also ask you to forward one of the following documents to us in advance:

•     Business Plan (preferred submission)
•     Executive summary/Investment Memorandum (we can provide you with a pro forma to complete in advance) or
•     Investment pitch slide deck

Register here: http://www.intertradeireland.com/events/intertradeireland-monthly-regional-equity-advisory-clinic-belfast-14th-december

Day 1: Check the lights on your Christmas tree. Look out for frayed or exposed wires, broken or cracked sockets, or loose connections. It is much safer to replace them altogether rather than repairing them. All fairy lights should be CE Marked.

Day 2: Toys should be CE Marked. Only buy toys and electrical products that contain the CE Mark. The CE mark should be visible on the product itself or on its packaging.

Day 3: Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure that the CO detector complies with European Standard EN 50291 – look for it on the box. Press the test button on your smoke alarm to ensure that it is working. Both smoke alarms and CO alarms should always be CE Marked.

Day 4: Make sure toys and games are age-appropriate. Pay attention to minimum age warnings. When buying a computer game, check the age cert. VR Headsets are a hot gadget this Christmas but they are not recommended for use by children under 12.

Day 5: Examine toys for sharp edges. When buying a toy, take time to examine it first for rough edges, dangerous or detachable small parts or small holes that could trap little fingers.

Day 6: Get the right gear. If Santa delivers bikes, roller skates or skateboards, make sure those riding them have the right protective gear. A CE Mark is also required for personal protective equipment, such as helmets, knee pads etc.

Day 7: Don’t mix the old with the new. Don’t mix old and new or different strength batteries in the toy. That can make the old or weaker batteries very hot. Always unwind extension cords completely to avoid overheating and don’t overload sockets with adaptors or extension blocks.

Day 8: Take action. If you come across a toy or an electrical item that seems unsafe or doesn’t have a CE Mark, don’t buy it. Instead, contact The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), with details of the item and where you saw it, at www.ccpc.ie, or phone (01) 402 5555.

Day 9: Keep decorations away from fire. Reduce the chances of causing a fire and keep decorations and combustible materials well away from light fittings and other sources of heat such as heaters, fireplaces and candles.

Day 10: Know real from fake. There are a number of indicators that the CE Mark is genuine. Look carefully at the three branches of the letter E. The central one should be shorter. Also, look for the space between the C and the E; it should be quite big.

Day 11: Switch off and plug out. Switch out all Christmas lights last thing at night and when leaving the house to protect against the risk of fire. For extra safety, always switch off and unplug appliances and other items when not in use.

Day 12: Recycle and be safe! Always dispose of (in your recycling if possible) discarded wrapping paper, plastic bags, ribbons, string, plastic tags, used batteries etc. as soon as they’re not needed any more. Make sure younger children don’t play with anything that could cause suffocation.