New chief executive appointed at InterTradeIreland
24 September 2012
Thomas Hunter McGowan has been appointed to succeed Liam Nellis as Chief Executive Officer of InterTradeIreland by the North South Ministerial Council. Reporting to the chairman and Board of InterTradeIreland, Mr Hunter McGowan will lead the executive team and continue to develop the strategy for the body which supports SMEs across the island to identify North/South trade and innovation opportunities.
£15 million sales boost for cross-border businesses
24 September 2012
Tradelinks 2, an EU-funded cross-border business development programme, has generated over £15 million new sales for firms in the cross-border region. The initiative, which was designed to assist and grow the important micro enterprise sector across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal, held a celebration event on Friday 21st September to mark the end of the programme. The event took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan.
Search for local innovators begins with launch of all island Innovation Awards
14 September 2012
The search for the most innovative organisations across the island of Ireland began today with the launch of the fourth annual Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. The awards aim to recognise and promote the best innovations within organisations of all sectors and all sizes in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The closing date for applications is Monday, December 3, 2012. For more information, visit www.irishtimes.com/innovation.
Search for Innovators begins with launch of All island Innovation Awards
13 September 2012
The search for the most innovative organisations across the island of Ireland began today with the launch of the fourth annual Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. The awards aim to recognise and promote the best innovations within organisations of all sectors and all sizes from North and South . The closing date for applications is Monday, December 3, 2012. For more information, visit www.irishtimes.com/innovation.
InterTradeIreland encourages companies to take up innovation 'challenge'
11 September 2012
Companies from across Ireland and Northern Ireland will learn how to transform their approach to innovation with 12 companies who meet the ‘Challenge’ benefitting from up to £20,000/€23,000 worth of expert coaching and mentoring, thanks to our new programme being launched today. The Innovation Challenge Programme, which was piloted last year, will allow business owners to transform their company’s prospects in just nine months by learning and applying the most effective methods of generating, marketing and launching new products and services.
Time is running out to enter all-island business competition
20 August 2012
Businesses hoping to be in with a chance of winning their share of €280,000 cash in this year’s InterTradeIreland All-Island Seedcorn Business Competition have only got three weeks left to submit their entries. The competition is open to all independent companies incorporated in Ireland or Northern Ireland in the seed, start-up or early stages of business development and ideally targeting international markets.
Survey highlights one in five businesses failed to make profit in last 12 months
13 August 2012
According to latest the quarterly Business Monitor released today by InterTradeIreland, the protracted economic downturn is continuing to have a severe effect on businesses across the island of Ireland with 21 per cent of those surveyed reporting that their business has not been profitable in the last year. Companies in Northern Ireland are faring slightly better than their Southern counterparts however, as only 11 per cent of local businesses surveyed did not show a profit over the last year compared with 26 per cent of businesses in Ireland.
85% of InterTradeIreland graduates catapulted to permanent lead management roles
23 July 2012
InterTradeIreland has today announced that 85% of its graduates that have successfully completed its FUSION and Acumen programmes have received offers of permanent management positions within their placement firms. Since 2003, InterTradeIreland has funded 400 SME’s to employ graduates to lead innovation projects across the island through the FUSION programme and to embed sales management strategies to target new cross-border markets through its sales & marketing programme Acumen.
Local Graduates Celebrate Success Through InterTradeIreland Programmes
23 July 2012
InterTradeIreland announced today that 90 jobs are available this year to graduates from across the island through InterTradeIreland’s FUSION and ACUMEN programmes. These Innovation and Trade programmes match graduates with SMEs to help them to grow by expanding into new export markets or developing innovative products or services. The announcement was made at the 2012 InterTradeIreland graduation ceremony which took place in UCD, Memorial Hall, Dublin.
Aurion Learning Picks Up Workplace and Employment Award
27 June 2012
Aurion Picks up Prize in Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards 2012. Aurion Learning was celebrating last week at being recognised in the Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards. Aurion was highly commended in the Right Place to Work Category in recognition of its commitment to its employees and support of community, charitable, and environmental issues. This is the second award Aurion Learning has received this year for its responsible business practices, having received a commendation in the Business in the Community Awards for Most Responsible Small Business.
Report aims to assist recovery in the construction materials sector
21 June 2012
InterTradeIreland has published a report on “A competitive analysis of the construction materials sector”. The report, commissioned by a steering group comprising representatives of businesses in the quarry products, concrete and asphalt industries across Northern Ireland and Ireland along with representatives from government development agencies, aims to assist recovery in the construction materials sector through a series of practical recommendations to tackle capacity issues and to improve competitiveness.
Collaborate to Innovate conference highlights importance of access to EU funding
8 June 2012
Delegates attending the InterTradeIreland 'Collaborate to Innovate' conference at the Titanic Belfast Building yesterday had been told of the importance of research and innovation in achieving Europe’s 2020 objectives for economic growth and job creation. Addressing the conference, the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, underlined the central role innovation had in the EU's strategy for growth and jobs.
Major Innovation Conference to explore why innovation is important
31 May 2012
This years Innovation Conference will explore 'Why Exploiting Industry and University Research, Development and Innovation is Important'. Taking place at NUI Galway from 12-13 June, the free event will focus on a theme highly pertinent in the currently economic climate. The Conference aims to provide practical insights into how businesses, academics and policy makers on the island of Ireland can best exploit industry-university research, development and innovation to best effect in context of our economic recovery.
SMEs given access to estimated €20bn all-island public procurement market
30 May 2012
Over 380 small to medium sized businesses yesterday engaged with some of the largest public sector buying organisations from across the island at the all-island ‘Meet the Buyer’ event hosted by InterTradeIreland in partnership with the National Procurement Service, Enterprise Ireland, CPD, Invest NI and Strategic Investment Board held in Athlone, Co. Westmeath. Designed to raise awareness and understanding of the public procurement market SMEs gained access to key buyers such as the HSE, An Post, National Procurement Service, An Garda Siochána and Waterways Ireland amongst others. SMEs discovered how the public procurement process works and the opportunities available.
Gabriel Scientific Wins the ‘Innovation of the Year’ Award
29 February 2012
Gabriel Scientific were announced this evening as the winner of the overall ‘Innovation of the Year’ award at the annual Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. Gabriel Scientific, who developed a technology for mattresses and other cushioning products that combats the risk of hospital-acquired infections and superbugs such as MRSA, will receive a communications and advertising package from the Irish Times worth €150,000. In addition, they will also receive a UCD Smurfit scholarship for an executive education programme commencing in 2012, Business legal advice from Byrne Wallace, and a state of the art laptop with a year’s subscription to The Irish Times ePaper
€85m Business Angel Funds available to businesses in 2012
6 February 2012
The 11th annual InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference will help companies unlock investment opportunities. Business Angel Funds of up to €85m are currently available to start-up companies across the island, Margaret Hearty, Director of Business Services and Programmes, InterTradeIreland has estimated.
Manufacturing and Business Services sectors surging ahead according to survey
25 February 2013
According to the latest all-island quarterly Business Monitor released today by InterTradeIreland, the manufacturing and business services sectors have outperformed every other industry surveyed with regards to sales increases in 2012 Q4 and they remain the most positive looking forward. Almost 70 per cent of manufacturing companies reported to be either growing or stable which is in contrast to industries such as construction within which 66 per cent of businesses reported to be contracting, surviving at all costs or winding down.
Business Monitor Reveals Increased Performance Across Manufacturing and Business
25 February 2013
The Q4 2012 Business Monitor, which surveyed over 1,000 businesses north and south in January, also revealed that 79% of companies indicated that their Christmas 2012 sales levels remained similar (51%) or decreased (28%) when compared with Christmas 2011. An examination of these figures reveals that 45% experienced the same sales as 2011 in the retail and distribution area and 61% in the leisure, hotels and catering sectors.
Two Dublin Companies Recognised -Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards
29 February 2012
Gabriel Scientific from Sandyford in Dublin was announced as the winner of Best Product Innovation Award and the overall ‘Innovation of the Year’ Award at the annual Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards. X-Bolt Orthopaedics from Malahide in Dublin also picked up awards for Best Application of R&D and special recognition for the best North / South collaboration project.
InterTradeIreland launches £1M Acumen Business Programme for 2012
2 April 2012
Acumen offers up to £15k to help SMEs ‘catch new business. InterTradeIreland today launched the latest phase of Acumen, its flagship sales and marketing programme, announcing £1m in available funds for SMEs across the island to help them grow their business by targeting new cross-border markets.
Ireland Launch of €1.2m Business Programme for 2012
2 April 2012
InterTradeIreland Acumen offers up to €18k to help SMEs net new business. InterTradeIreland today launched the latest phase of Acumen, its flagship sales and marketing programme, announcing €1.2m in available funds for SMEs across the island to help them grow their business by targeting new cross-border markets. The programme, offers local businesses up to €18,000 in funding, to assist them to increase their cross-border export sales, improve their knowledge of new markets and identify new business opportunities. Support options available include assistance towards employing a full time or part time sales person, engaging a graduate for a 12 month sales & Marketing project or funding for a market research project.
€280k Prize Fund Announced for InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Business Competition
30 April 2012
Iconic Titanic Belfast Building used to launch search for next generation of Start Ups. InterTradeIreland has launched its annual all-island Seedcorn business competition and is seeking seed and early stage companies based in Northern Ireland to enter. Companies will have the chance to win a share of the €280,000 prize fund on offer and set themselves apart as one of the companies to watch in the future.
Seedcorn opens up for business with €280k up for grabs!
30 April 2012
Iconic Titanic Belfast Building used to launch search for next generation of Start Ups. Early stage and high growth companies are being urged to enter the Island’s biggest business competition, the InterTradeIreland All-island Seedcorn Business Competition. The competition has a prize fund of €280,000 and aims to turn equity raising companies into investor-ready businesses. Now in its 10th year, InterTradeIreland has supported over 1,500 enterprising companies through the Seedcorn process. It is considered the most important barometer for new and emerging companies among the investment and business communities.
Shortlisted entrepreneurs ‘blazing a trail for Ireland on the global stage’
21 May 2012
Twenty-Four of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs have been shortlisted for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Programme for 2012. Emanating from a diverse array of industry sectors that range from Agriculture and Pharmaceutical to Mining and Online Retail, these outstanding individuals were selected from a record total of 150 nominations received for this year’s awards, having demonstrated what it really takes to succeed as an entrepreneur in today’s challenging business environment.
Entrepreneurs Still Vital to Help Established Businesses Grow
8 October 2012
Entrepreneurship isn’t just for new businesses – it is essential to help established companies stay ahead of the competition. That’s according to a global business expert who will speak at Queen’s University next week (Monday 15 October). Ms Hanadi Jabado, Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Cambridge, says that all businesses, old and new, need to keep thinking like entrepreneurs. She said: “Established businesses can fall in to a pattern of running ‘business as usual’, or even worse focusing on fire fighting problems. But continuing to innovate is key to ensuring a company grows.”
Calling all business owners/managers and new starts-ups
15 October 2012
Are you in business and want to know about the support you can obtain? What business grants you can apply for? Which funded programmes will help you grow your business? Do you need to secure finance? Thinking of entering new markets? Do you need help on how to survive? Are you looking to expand and/or recruit? Want to start your own business? Are you unsure of where to look for guidance, support and advice? If the answer is ‘YES’ to any of these questions come to the Cross Border Business Support Expo taking place on the 7th November 2012 in the Carrickdale Hotel between 9.30am until 1pm.
Newry company receives InterTradeIreland Fusion examplar award for innovation
15 October 2012
Newry-based company, Media Lightbox, has been recognised with a ‘Project Exemplar’ award for its outstanding success in innovation whilst participating in the InterTradeIreland FUSION programme. InterTradeIreland FUSION is an all-island programme which enables knowledge and technology transfer between business and academia to support innovation and increase capability. Businesses participating in the programme are partnered with a third-level institution with relevant specialist expertise and a high calibre science, engineering or technology graduate who is employed by the company to lead their chosen innovation project.
Aurion Learning develops equality & diversity e-learning programme
17 October 2012
Aurion Learning has further cemented its reputation as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of e-learning by being awarded a new contract to develop an equality and diversity e-learning programme for Belfast City Council, as part of its Peace III programme. Aurion Learning has been working in partnership with the Council to design and build a new equality and diversity e-learning programme suitable for Council staff.
Do you have what it takes to become a mentor to an enterprising student?
17 October 2012
Would you like to assist Northern Ireland's young people to gain the skills to operate their own businesses? Become part of the Belfast Enterprise Academy! Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, in association with Anne McMurray Development Ltd and on behalf of Belfast City Council, is seeking to engage business people to become mentors on the Belfast Enterprise Academy 2012 - 2013.
Realtime Technologies selected as project exemplar
17 October 2012
Dublin company Realtime Technologies was selected as a project exemplar as a direct result of its participation in InterTradeIreland's FUSION programme. InterTradeIreland is now encouraging other local SMEs to benefit from the increased revenue and access to expertise that FUSION can offer.
Lotus Technical Services selected as project exemplar by InterTradeIreland
25 October 2012
Sligo company Lotus Technical Services, a company within the LotusWorks group, has also been named as a project exemplar as a direct result of its participation in the InterTradeIreland FUSION programme. FUSION has enabled the company to develop a new product which has resulted in the company winning new business in the European market. InterTradeIreland is now encouraging other local SMEs across the North West to benefit from the increased revenue and access to expertise that FUSION can offer.
SMEs get opportunity to share in €20bn all-island public procurement market
25 October 2012
More than 350 small businesses are expected to converge on the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny on Thursday 8th November for the final InterTradeIreland ‘Meet the Buyer’ event in a series of three to be held across the island in 2012.
Winner of 2012 Marion McAneney graduate research award announced
26 October 2012
The Marion McAneney Graduate Research Award was established in memory of Marion who worked for InterTradeIreland and was a founding member of the Community of Researchers, which was established to complement the overall All-Island Innovation Programme. Marion worked diligently to promote dialogue and understanding between the academic and wider communities and this, the second annual Award acknowledges excellence in reviewing academic literature on any aspect of innovation and identifying gaps in our understanding.
Galway company named winner of InterTradeIreland seedcorn regional final
6 November 2012
Galway company Full Health Medical is named the Best Emerging company in the Connacht and Leinster final of the 2012 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn all-island business competition, securing €20,000 in funding and goes forward to compete in the national final. Another Galway company, Algae Health were named the Best High Growth company.
Algae Health secure €20,000 in funding and go forward to national final
6 November 2012
Algae Health were named the Best High Growth company in the Connacht and Leinster final of the 2012 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn all-island business competition. Full Health Medical, from Galway were also named as Best Emerging company. Algae Health which is based in Claregalway beat tough competition from the other Connacht and Leinster finalists in its category to win €20,000 to help finance the early stages of their venture.
Cork company named winner of InterTradeIreland seedcorn regional final
7 November 2012
Cork company, MitaMed, was named the Best High Growth Company in the Munster final of the 2012 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn all-island business competition. MitaMed, which is based on technology developed at the Cork Cancer Research Centre at University College Cork, beat tough competition from two other Munster finalists to win €20,000 to help finance the early stages of its ventures.
Newtownabbey company announced as one of the NI regional winners Seedcorn 2012
9 November 2012
InterTradeIreland today announced the Northern Ireland regional winners of Seedcorn 2012, the largest business competition of its kind across the island, offering a total cash prize fund of €280,000. In the Best Emerging Company category, ShiftDock from Newtownabbey was hailed as overall category winner. As regional winner, ShiftDock is guaranteed a cash prize fund of at least €20,000 and will now go on to compete in the all-island final before a prestigious awards ceremony to be held at Titanic Belfast on the 28 November.
Belfast company Catagen scoops €20,000 as regional winner in Seedcorn 2012
9 November 2012
Catagen from Belfast is announced as Best High Growth Company for Northern Ireland and is one of the regional winners of Seedcorn 2012, the largest business competition of its kind across the island, offering a total cash prize fund of €280,000. As regional winners, Catagen is guaranteed a cash prize fund of at least €20,000 and will now go on to compete in the all-island final before a prestigious awards ceremony to be held at Titanic Belfast on the 28 November.
Gnarly Adventure secures €20,000 in funding and goes forward to national final
12 November 2012
Limerick company, Gnarly Adventure, has been named the Best Emerging Company in the Munster final of the 2012 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn all-island business competition. Gnarly Adventure, which is based in Nexus Innovation Centre at the University of Limerick, beat tough competition from two other Munster finalists to win €20,000 to help finance the early stages of its ventures. The company will now go on to compete in the all-island final of the competition, which will take place on the 28th November 2012 at the iconic Titanic Belfast building.
NovaUCD company named winner of InterTradeIreland seedcorn regional final
12 November 2012
NovaUCD based company, Wattics, was today named the Best Emerging Company in the Dublin final of the 2012 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn all-island business competition. Wattics beat tough competition from two other Dublin finalists in their category to win €20,000 to help finance the innovative young ventures. The company will now go on to compete in the all-island final of the competition, which will take place on the 28th November 2012 at the iconic Titanic Belfast building.
Cork based company Solvotrin Therapeutics selected as Project Exemplar
13 November 2012
InterTradeIreland, the agency responsible for fostering cross border trade, investment and innovation North and South has today [October xth] announced that it has selected local Cork company Solvotrin Therapeutics, as a project exemplar as a direct result of its participation in its FUSION programme. FUSION has enabled the company to identify and develop a new cholesterol drug. Solvotrin is now encouraging other local SMEs across the Munster region to benefit from the increased revenue and access to expertise that FUSION can offer.
Docklands Company Named Winner of InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Regional Final
13 November 2012
Docklands based company, OptiWi-fi, was today named the Best High Growth Company in the Dublin final of the 2012 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn all-island business competition. OptiWi-fi beat tough competition from two other Dublin finalists in their category to win €20,000 to help finance the early stages of its ventures. The company will now go on to compete in the all-island final of the competition, which will take place on the 28th November 2012 at the iconic Titanic Belfast building.
Which are the TOP 10 most burdensome legislative acts for SMEs?
15 November 2012
Complaints are often aired about the red tape created by European law. We want to cut red tape. We can cut red tape. However, there is a definite lack of concrete proposals to reduce this burden. With this in mind, the European Commission is calling upon businesses: "Let us know what could be done better - we would like your ideas for reducing red tape!" — the leitmotif of a consultation launched today by the Commission. This consultation process for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and their representative organisations, will help to identify the top ten EU legislative acts considered most burdensome by micro-companies and SMEs. It will run until 21 December 2012, and once complete, the Commission will analyse the results and consider how situation for SMEs could be improved.
Ulster Bank launches 2012 Business Achievers Awards
16 November 2012
Start-ups, food & drink firms, agri-businesses, SMEs, social enterprises and all other companies called on to embrace popular scheme Ulster Bank today launches the 19th Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards with a call to companies to embrace the full benefits of the programme – the networking, the development events and most importantly, the positive publicity it can bring.
InterTradeIreland business monitor reveals no signs of economic improvement
26 November 2012
According to the latest quarterly Business Monitor for Q3 2012 released today by InterTradeIreland, which was conducted with over 1,000 companies across the island, the protracted economic downturn is showing no signs of improvement. However SMEs remain resilient, amidst extremely difficult trading conditions. Many firms continue to have a positive outlook about their business performance over the next year.
Business Monitor reveals no signs of economic improvement
27 November 2012
According to the latest quarterly Business Monitor for Q3 2012 released by InterTradeIreland, the protracted economic downturn is showing no signs of improvement. The Business Monitor, which surveyed 1,500 businesses north and south, at the beginning of November 2012, reveals that just over half of Southern businesses are winding down, surviving or contracting compared to 44% in the North.
2012 Seedcorn Winners Announced
29 November 2012
Belfast-based Catagen and Wattics from Dublin were named the Best High Growth Company and Best Emerging Company respectively at InterTradeIreland’s 2012 all-island Seedcorn Business Competition. The event, which took place at the Titanic Belfast last night (28 November), is the largest business competition on the island. As the Best High Growth Company on the island, Catagen won the overall cash prize of €100,000 while Wattics took home a cash prize of €50,000 for its success as the Best Emerging Company.
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Calling all agri-food firms to enter the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards
25 January 2013
Food and drink companies and agri-businesses in Northern Ireland have been invited to enter the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards by a leading figure in the sector. Dr David Dobbin CBE, who is chairman of the judging panel for the prestigious all-island awards this year, says that the awards provide an excellent opportunity to promote a business and celebrate its success. The Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards have dedicated categories for businesses in the sector through their Food & Drink and Agri-Business categories. The awards are supported by Invest Northern Ireland, InterTradeIreland and Small Business Can.
Programmes allow companies to access the expertise needed to develop new ideas
29 January 2013
Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD, spoke during a visit yesterday to InterTradeIreland’s offices, Newry, Co. Down where he met with two InterTradeIreland client companies who have benefitted from their participation in InterTradeIreland programmes, FUSION and INNOVA.
InterTradeIreland to invest £8.8 m in 135 technology transfer projects for SMEs
4 February 2013
InterTradeIreland, the agency responsible for fostering cross border trade, investment and innovation has today announced that it is to invest £8.8million in 135 cross border technology transfer projects. The investment will be channelled into the agency’s technology transfer programme, FUSION. The programme enables science, engineering and technology graduates to gain access to vital industry skills. InterTradeIreland is now encouraging SMEs to benefit from the increased revenue and access to innovation that FUSION can offer.
InterTradeIreland to invest €11 million in 135 Technology Transfer Projects
4 February 2013
InterTradeIreland, the agency responsible for fostering cross border trade, investment and innovation North and South has today announced that it is to invest €11million in 135 cross border technology transfer projects.
SMEs win contracts worth £60 /€69 million through award-winning programme
13 February 2013
900 companies have completed its award-winning Go-2-Tender programme since it began in 2007, InterTradeIreland has revealed. Since then, these firms have secured public procurement contracts, both in their own jurisdiction and cross-border, worth in excess of £60/€69 million. Today, the business support body also announced a series of 10 Go-to-Tender workshops which will take place this year across the island.
InterTradeIreland Venture Capital Conference showcases investment opportunities
7 March 2013
The 12th annual InterTradeIreland Venture Capital conference entitled, “Securing Investment in 2013” has attracted all of the major active venture capital and business angel networks from across the island to attend. With 22 VC funds and angel networks taking part, this is the highest number of investors the Venture Capital Conference has ever had taking part in the investor panel. In addition, following on from delegate feedback from the 2012 conference, InterTradeIreland introduced for the first time ‘speed networking’ for companies with investors as an integral part of the event.
Tipperary’s Trustwater is Tip-Top at Innovation Awards
25 March 2013
Monday, 25th March, 2013. Trustwater has won the overall ‘Innovation of the Year’ Award at The Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards 2013, which was held in Belfast for the first time on Friday night. The Tipperary-based firm developed a unique system for bottling plants that dramatically reduces energy and water use. The winning entry took first place in the GreenTech Innovation category and went on to compete against the five other category winners to win the ‘Innovation of the Year’ award.
NI Companies successful in All Island Innovation Awards
25 March 2013
There was local success last night at The Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Awards when 2 NI companies collected awards at the ceremony which was held in Belfast for the first time. Titanic Belfast was the venue and among the 6 overall category awards winners were local companies Choc-O-Bloc from Newtownards and Fast Engineering from Antrim.
Calling Start-Ups to become Investor Ready and Compete for €280k CASH Prize Fund
29 April 2013
At the launch of this year’s All-Island Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition, InterTradeIreland today unveiled a new and simplified entry format and a change to the entry categories. The business competition, which is the largest of its kind on the island, will continue to offer the substantial cash prize fund of €280,000 with no equity stake taken in return, as well as the opportunity for participating firms to join the extensive Seedcorn network which helps to boost companies’ profiles, contacts and investment opportunities.
Calling Start-Ups to become Investor Ready and Compete for €280k CASH Prize Fund
29 April 2013
InterTradeIreland is calling on new start-ups and early stage companies to enter the island’s largest business competition, the InterTradeIreland all-island Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition. The new look competition, which has a cash prize fund of €280,000 with no equity stake, aims to transform equity raising businesses into first-class investor ready companies. Now in its 11th year, the competition has supported 1,645 enterprising companies, with the companies that have made it through to the regional finals successfully raising €165m in new funds. It is considered among the investment and business communities in Ireland as one of the most important barometers for new and emerging companies.
"Collaborate to Innovate: Access Horizon 2020" Conference, Dublin
17 May 2013
A number of strategies were outlined today (May 16th 2013) to increase participation in EU funded Research and Innovation at the all-island “Collaborate to Innovate: Access Horizon 2020” conference in Dublin. The event was organised by InterTradeIreland in association with the Irish Presidency of the EU Council and showcased the assistance that will be available to companies and researchers in Northern Ireland, Ireland and Europe to prepare for the upcoming expected €70 billion R&D and innovation fund Horizon 2020. The new fund, which will come on stream in 2014, will provide increased opportunities and a more simplified process to encourage greater participation amongst SMEs.
"Collaborate to Innovate: Access Horizon 2020" Conference, Dublin
17 May 2013
A number of strategies were outlined today (May 16th 2013) to increase participation in EU funded Research and Innovation at the all-island “Collaborate to Innovate: Access Horizon 2020” conference. The conference was organised by InterTradeIreland in association with the Irish Presidency of the EU Council and showcased assistance that will be available to companies and researchers in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Europe to prepare for the upcoming expected €70 billion R&D and innovation fund Horizon 2020 which will come on stream in 2014. The new fund will provide increased opportunities and a more simplified process to encourage greater participation amongst SMEs.
InterTradeIreland Business Monitor Q1 2013
20 May 2013
InterTradeIreland’s latest quarterly Business Monitor published today (Sunday 19th May), indicates that 36% of businesses expect that over a quarter of their sales will not be paid on time. Furthermore, over half (53%) of businesses have some debtors of over 90 days. As only 4% of businesses give 90 days credit, many firms are spending time chasing payments to avoid an impact on cashflow.
ITI Business Monitor Q1 2013
20 May 2013
The latest quarterly Business Monitor released today by InterTradeIreland has revealed a stabilisation in the employment levels across the island. In the last three months 85 per cent of businesses have maintained current staffing levels and only 11% report reducing their workforce.