12 November 2015
November 9th saw the start of the UK Trade and Investment Export week which Bank of Ireland UK marked by hosting the official Northern Ireland launch of the Trinity International Growth programme.
The programme has been specifically designed at the direction of Bank of Ireland and British Irish Chamber of Commerce by Trinity Business School to support SMEs in Northern Ireland at a key growth stage and looking to expand across borders into new markets or launch a new product or service into a new market.
Applicants should be senior managers of SME businesses with:
• Turnover between €/£500,000 – €/£20m
• Size 10 –150 employees
• Developing new products and / or planning new market entry
Successful applicants will participate in two three day intensive interactive sessions on campus at Trinity Business School followed by delivery of a business relevant, practical export and scaling project under 1:1 mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and experts.
Speaking at the launch Ian Sheppard, Regional Director, NI Business & Corporate Banking, Bank of Ireland UK encouraged Northern Ireland businesses to apply:
“With only 3% of VAT registered Northern Ireland businesses regularly exporting this presents a challenge and an opportunity and the International Growth Programme has been designed to support and encourage SMEs with ambitions to expand into new markets. The participants on the programme will not only reap the benefits of new skills and capability and an implementation ready project for their business but they will establish invaluable trading networks and learning’s from each other, their mentors and the guest lecturers supporting the delivery of the programme.”
Mark Nodder, Chief Executive of Wrightbus speaking at the launch highlighted the impact and importance of exporting: “Over the last 5 years Wrightbus’ international growth strategy has been vital in achievement of its strategic ambition for growth. Whilst our home market remains the bedrock for our business, capitalising on international opportunities is the key to unlocking long term success. For ambitious companies prepared to make the necessary long-term commitment and deploy financial and staff resources to support their exporting strategy they will be exposed to exciting opportunities and the benefits of driving innovation and creativity in their business.”
Aidan Lynch, President of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce said:
“The British Irish Chamber of Commerce welcomes this important partnering with Bank of Ireland and Trinity Business School. As the leading trade body across the two islands, we represent businesses large and small, and support them in future growth. Expanding into new markets is a key step and the British or Irish market can be an important first point of export for expanding indigenous businesses. Initiatives such as this will help business owners to prepare themselves for export, and ready them to become a part of the €1bn in trade that flows between Britain and Ireland each week.”
Professor Michael Flynn, Director of the programme said: “Once the preserve of large multi-nationals, international expansion has become the norm for high-performing SMEs. Helping SMEs go global is an area that Trinity Business School has worked actively in for many years. We are delighted to be joining with Bank of Ireland and the British Irish Chamber of Commerce in launching this programme specifically designed for SMEs from across the U.K. and Ireland who are seeking new market opportunities abroad. “
The Bank of Ireland has committed to the programme for 3 years and the programme benefits from the sponsorship of Bank of Ireland UK with the cost at £1500 / €2,000 for the participating business.
The programme is open for applications up to Friday 4th December. Further details and application forms are available online https://www.tcd.ie/business/executive-education/
Successful applicants will be informed in early January 2016 and the course will start in February 2016.
Photo caption:
Bank of Ireland UK marked UK Trade and Investment Export week (Nov 9-13) by hosting the official Northern Ireland launch of the Trinity International Growth programme. The programme has been specifically designed at the direction of Bank of Ireland and British Irish Chamber of Commerce by Trinity Business School to support SMEs in Northern Ireland at a key growth stage and looking to expand across borders into new markets or launch a new product or service into a new market. Successful applicants will participate in 2 three day intensive interactive sessions on campus at Trinity Business School followed by delivery of a business relevant, practical export and scaling project under 1:1 mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and experts. The programme is open for applications up to Friday 4th December, 2015. Further details and application forms are available online https://www.tcd.ie/business/executive-education/ Pictured at the launch are from left Yve O¹Driscoll, British & Irish Chamber of Commerce; Mark Nodder, Chief Executive of WrightBus; Ian Sheppard, Regional Director, NI Business & Corporate Banking, Bank of Ireland UK; and Eoghan O’Sullivan, Trinity College.