We are delighted to announce that Margaret Hearty has been appointed InterTradeIreland's new Chief Executive. Margaret has worked within InterTradeIreland since its inception in 1999 – carrying out a number of key senior roles within the trade body.

On behalf of all the staff in InterTradeIreland we would like to take this opportunity to wish Margaret well in her new role.

As normal life starts to slide back into view, the need for networking has probably never been greater, but after over a year of limited contact, online webinars and avoiding handshakes, people may find networking more difficult than ever before. With that being said, it’s important to remember that the old adage “opportunities come attached to people” is still as true as it always has been, especially for small business owners.

Here are some tips that may be useful to help you adapt and make connections in the new landscape.

Interested in trading to the opposite jurisdiction? InterTradeIreland has a range of sales supports available to help firms looking to engage in cross-border trade for the first time. 

• Receive funding for professional advice to help you explore your export potential with the Trade Accelerator Voucher.
• Avail of consultancy support worth up to £5,000/€5,750 to help you develop a cross-border sales and marketing plan with Elevate.
• For established companies ready to take the next step, Acumen provides funding for an experienced and skilled sales resource to identify opportunities and win sales in the cross-border market.  

Industry 4.0 focuses on how technology is primed to provide solutions to industry challenges. Embracing next generation industrial systems has a number of operational and commercial benefits for businesses. Industry 4.0 is embedded in innovation and as part of InterTradeIreland’s All-island Innovation Programme, we want to bring this cutting-edge thinking to small businesses through a series of Industry 4.0 webinars.

Hear from renowned experts in food, healthcare sectors, the circular economy and digitalisation of manufacturing, who offer practical advice for firms on how innovation will shape future trends and how to deal with challenges that Industry 4.0 will bring.

InterTradeIreland’s latest all-island Business Monitor reveals that the wider economy is within touching distance of recovering to pre-pandemic levels, despite significant issues and specific sectoral challenges.

The vast majority of firms are in stable or growth mode (81 per cent), with cross-border traders in particular leading the way forward. Businesses that trade with the opposite jurisdiction are seeing a quicker return to profitability than those with no export sales, and they are experiencing faster sales growth. 

Looking to raise finance for your business? We are running a series of free Equity Advisory clinics over the coming weeks, where eligible companies can receive free Equity Investment advice from our venture professional Drew O’Sullivan. You will also learn how to improve your business plan, receive investment pitch practice and get fundraising tips. Spaces are limited so register now.

Firms based in Ireland who have been impacted by Covid-19 and Brexit can now access low cost financing through two new loan schemes recently launched by the Irish government. 

The Covid-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme facilitates up to €2 billion in lending to eligible businesses. Loans under the scheme range from €10,000 to €1 million, for terms of up to five and a half years. Financing will be offered through a range of products, including term loans, working capital loans and overdrafts. 

The Brexit Impact Loan Scheme (BILS) has up to €330 million in lending available for terms of one to six years. This scheme is available to eligible businesses, including those in agriculture and fishing sectors as they respond to the dual-impacts of Brexit and Covid-19.