Séamus Doran, Assistant Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Fergal Browne, Coilín O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Michael Quinn, President, County Carlow Chamber.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CARLOW BUSINESSES TO EXPORT TO MANCHESTER
Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office is partnering with County Carlow Chamber to host the “Export to Manchester in 2025 Programme”. The programme is a supported trade mission designed to help companies to build connections in Manchester and the wider North West region for sales and business development.
Eight highly subsidised places will be made available on the programme to suitable companies. The programme will develop their confidence in the field of exporting through attending 2 very practical half day export development workshops, working with a specialist export mentor to identify suitable export opportunities for the businesses and spending 3 days on the ground in Manchester as part of a group trade mission in early March 2025. Selected companies with less than 10 employees may also be eligible for a TAME grant to support the cost of developing materials for the trip.
Expressions of interest are now being sought from Carlow businesses interested in participating. Applications are encouraged from businesses based in Carlow, trading for at least one year, involved in manufacturing or tradable services of a product or service that is considered to be exportable and currently securing no more that 30% of turnover outside Ireland. The cost to participate is €250 per business selected which is heavily subsidised.
Speaking at the programme launch Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Fergal Browne said "Carlow businesses with export potential should consider expanding their market to Manchester. The British market, including Manchester, offers a vast and dynamic marketplace for Irish products and services. This programme aims to equip Carlow companies with the tools and knowledge necessary to successfully enter this lucrative market. By leveraging strong trade ties between Ireland and Britain, Carlow businesses can capitalise on new opportunities and boost their export performance."
Séamus Doran, Assistant Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with the Local Enterprise Office added “Our comprehensive training and mentoring programme will equip Carlow businesses with the essential skills to successfully tap into the Manchester market. You’ll gain invaluable insights into consumer preferences and learn how to effectively position your product to resonate with Manchester buyers. Our trade visit will provide you with a platform to connect directly with potential customers and explore business opportunities first hand. This programme is designed to support ambitious Carlow companies in achieving their export goals within this thriving marketplace.”
The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 31st August 2024. Expressions of Interest can be submitted at https://consult.carlow.ie/en/content/export-manchester-programme-2025-expressions-interest
For further information contact Kieran Comerford on 086/8252037 e-mail enterprise@carlowcoco.ie
