Spokespeople

Our role as the cross-border body responsible for trade and business development on the island gives us unique perspective on business, trade, innovation, economic and policy issues affecting both Northern Ireland and Ireland.

Our dual policy and delivery role means that in addition to providing research and policy advice on relevant cross-border issues, we actively support SMEs across the island through our range of cross-border business programmes. To arrange an interview or to speak to one of our spokespeople below – contact our communications team.

Liam Nellis, Chief Executive

Liam was appointed to the position of CEO of InterTradeIreland in 2000, having been seconded to set up the cross-border Trade and Business Development Body in 1999, following its inception under the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

Liam has led the organisation for over 10 years and has gained extensive cross-border business experience which has earned him positions on a number of influential Boards and organisations across the island.

Liam has extensive economic development experience and is an authority on cross border trade and the importance of establishing links between businesses North and South to promote economic development.

Aidan Gough, Strategy & Policy Director

Having joined the organisation in 2000, Aidan advises InterTradeIreland on collaborative strategy, policy and initiatives to help support North/South economic co-operation for the mutual benefit of both economies on the island.

Aidan leads the InterTradeIreland policy and research team to identify areas where joint Government intervention can help to create an environment where it is easier to do business and increase the competitiveness of individual businesses and the island in the global economy.

He is a regular commentator for InterTradeIreland on areas such as all-island innovation, regulation, North/South trade flows and trade barriers, infrastructure and planning, energy, economic trends North and South and cross-border cooperation.

Margaret Hearty, Director of Programmes and Business Services

Margaret is responsible for leading the development and delivery of a range of business programmes and services on behalf of InterTradeIreland. She is passionate about supporting companies to increase their sales and access new markets through cross-border trade, helping firms to innovate by developing new products, services, processes and supporting early stage businesses to raise venture capital.

Margaret supports the development of SME’s and early stage companies and was responsible for the creation of InterTradeIreland’s Equity Network range of services.

 

Laurence Lord, Corporate Services Director

Laurence leads the Corporate Services Directorate in supporting and promoting the organisation’s activities.  He is a member of the Senior Management Team and is responsible for the managing all of InterTradeIreland’s operational activity including IT, Human Resources and Communications. 

Laurence’s core areas of capability include the provision of guidance on cross border trade including managing costs, operating in different jurisdictions, currency implications, tax and regulation.