Covid-19 has tested SMEs in ways that would have seemed unthinkable just 12 months ago. InterTradeIreland is keenly aware of the changed economic landscape businesses are facing, and has developed a range of Covid-19 supports to help businesses trading across the border get back on their feet and move into the crucial recovery phase.

Aidan Gough, Designated Officer of InterTradeIreland discusses how the organisation has responded to the Covid-19 crisis and why cross-border trade and collaboration will be vital to economic recovery. 

InterTradeIreland's latest Business Monitor survey (Q2 2020) reveals that the number of firms in growth mode has dropped to 15 per cent. However over 70 per cent of firms plan to bring back all furloughed staff.

Companies and research organisations across the island are invited to join a FREE virtual partnering event on 13th October to:

• Receive the latest information from the European Commission about Horizon 2020 Green Deal Call.
• Have a unique opportunity to pitch ideas and expertise in front of leading research organisations and cutting-edge innovators from across industry. 
• Extend their international network and create strategic partnerships through scheduled one-to-one meetings.
• Meet an Enterprise Europe Network representative to find out more about international partnering opportunities, advisory and innovation support services available to you.

This event is organised by The Enterprise Europe Network in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, Invest NI and Northern Ireland National Contract Points (NCPs).  

We are delighted to announce that InterTradeIreland's graduate recruitment programme Career Boost, has taken home the Graduate Employer of the Year (more than 40 intake) award at this year's gradireland Graduate Recruitment awards.These awards celebrate and recognise excellence and innovation in graduate recruitment across the island and are adjudicated by an expert panel of judges and the votes of over 13,000 undergraduates.

Our award winning Career Boost programme connects Science, Engineering and Technology graduates with real jobs in innovative SMEs.

Supported by IBEC's Technology Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Skillnet Ireland, TechIreland will soon be launching the #RestartBizMap - an interactive map of tech solutions that will help businesses operate in this new post-Covid world.

To be included in this map, companies with innovative tech solutions are asked to make their entries through the below survey link.

Add your restart solution here 

If you're seeking solutions in any of these 10 categories including employee engagement, re-skilling, workspace, remote working, buying or selling online, health/safety, work-life balance, new supply chains or others, click the link below to send in your entry.

Add your restart requirement here

Want to reap the benefits of being on social media?   For those looking to grow their B2C business, Maryrose Lyons, Digital Marketing Strategist at Brightspark Consulting shares some social media tips for business owners who want to adapt and catch the next wave of social media.

Are you a researcher or do you work in a research support role or in a company that has engaged with academia in relation to cross-border research, development and innovation? InterTradeIreland is conducting a study to find out what the opportunities and challenges are, and also how cross-border research and development networks and connections might be maintained and strengthened, particularly in light of the UK leaving the EU. The findings from this study will provide an evidence base for future proposals for North-South cooperation in research, development and innovation funding and support programmes.

We would be grateful if you could take the time to complete the online survey by clicking on the link below.