Fresh figures released this week by InterTradeIreland show cross-border trade reached an all-time high of €7.4bn/£6.5bn in 2018, despite uncertainty around Brexit.  This is also reflected in the findings of InterTradeIreland’s latest Business Monitor (Q4 2019), which illustrates over a third of firms in Northern Ireland buy from suppliers in Ireland. The economy remain positive – with the vast majority of firms either in growth mode (44 per cent) or stable (42 per cent).

Five businesses across the island have been awarded 'Exemplar' status for outstanding innovation by InterTradeIreland's FUSION programme.  The innovations include 3D printed replica hearts, smart defense robots as well as innovations in construction and textile manufacturing. For SMEs wanting to develop new products or processes, FUSION offers funding of up to £56,000/€67,900 for firms to partner with a research institution and a graduate project manager.

Are you an entrepreneur looking to secure investment? We will have venture capitalists, business angels and investors from across the island together in one room on Thursday 5th March in the Crowne Plaza Belfast. Come along and benefit from invaluable networking opportunities, get up-to-date with the current investment scene on the island, find out which sectors are expected to emerge and predictions of how things may look in 2030.