16/11/2016 - Ireland North West delegation showcase talent and skills to Boston businesses

Launching the new Gateway to Growth video and brochure showcasing the Northwest region as a prime business location is John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Tim Murray, President of the Worchester Chamber, Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock, Cllr. Terence Slowey, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council and Neely, Chief Executive Donegal County Council.

A delegation from Ireland North West told a packed conference room of Boston businesspeople that they are ready to do business with them thanks to our local talent and skills base, our competitive operating costs, advanced telecommunications infrastructure and excellent education and business linkages.

The delegation which is jointly led by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Terence Slowey and Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock, along with officers from both Councils has travelled to the Massachusetts this week along with 17 local businesses and participating organisations such as Udaras na Gaeltachta, Ulster University, Letterkenny Institute of Technology and the North West Regional College, to promote the region for investment.

Following a breakfast meeting at UMass Building with the Irish Consulate General Fionnuala Quinlan hosted by Enterprise Ireland, the delegation held a North West Showcase where they spoke about the great work the two Councils are doing by collaborating to promote investment to the region.

As part of the event the delegation launched their Gateway to Growth video and brochure and the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Terence Slowey spoke of the close working relationship and links between Ireland and the US while the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock both Councils were keen to build on current links that would lead to real and long term business relations.

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock and Cllr. Terence Slowey, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council meeting the Irish Consulate General Fionnuala Quinlan at a breakfast meeting at UMass Building hosted by Enterprise Ireland.

Seamus Neely, CEO with Donegal County Council said there are many reasons why US companies should invest in Ireland NW. “Our unique location is our strength, we provide the only UK land border with the Euro zone and we are within two hours drive to two international airports and four regional airports and have access to both EU and UK markets. Our young, well educated population have a strong worth ethic, and 31% of our school leavers are educated to degree level ensuring they have the right skills for employment. On top of that our young people are hungry and ready for the challenge with a real ‘can do attitude’.”

Tim Murray, President of the Worchester Chamber welcoming the Northwest delegation to Worchester City and the wider Massachusetts region.

John Kelpie CEO of Derry City and Strabane District Council said that Ireland North West is ranked top 10 economies in the world for ease of doing business and starting a business and has a strong and diverse SME base that reflects the spirit of entrepreneurship.

“We are extremely cost competitive offering the lowest prime office rent spaces for as little as 12 dollars per sq.ft compared to 42 dollars in Dublin and 72 dollars in Boston. Our connectivity to international and regional airports, our financial support packages and ongoing aftercare support makes us a highly attractive and competitive location to do business. While our internationally renowned universities and institutions are key drivers to our technology and knowledge industries. But most of all its about our people and the quality of life we have on offer – our rich culture and heritage, breathtaking scenery and fantastic local environment and social offering is truly unique and very special.”

Representatives of the Northwest Delegation to Massachusetts meeting Rick Sullivan President of the Western Mass Economic Development Council.  Picture includes Seamus Neely, Chief Executive Donegal County Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Mayor Alderman Hilary McClintock, Rick Sullivan, John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council and Cllr. Terence Slowey, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council.

He added that he hoped this visit would build on the good work that has been done over the years to develop linkages between the City of Boston and the wider Massachusetts knowledge corridor.

Seventeen companies from the digital tech, education, agri-food sectors and creative industries made presentations at the event to showcase their product and business with a clear focus on trying to source business in US export markets.

During their visit, the delegation will also attend meetings with businesses, potential investors and key influencers, as well as visit a number of sites such as Harvard and the State House and will participate in the Golden Bridges Conference.

For further information visit www.irelandnet.com<http://www.irelandnet.com/>>.

The companies travelling as part of the delegation are as follows:

GoWalkTalk; Gartan Technologies; Irish Gap Year; Irish Fish Canners; Qubizm; SLM Connect; Consilium Education; SLM Connect; Oideas Gael; Hanna Hats; Kelsius; Sendmode; Modern Democracy; Kinnegar Brewing; Studio Donegal; O’Donnell’s Bakery; Randox; Donegal Socks; O’Neill’s Sportswear.

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