Sponsorship Policy

What we Sponsor 

Within its statutory and ethical obligations as a public Body, InterTradeIreland will consider sponsoring any event, series of events or activity that can be demonstrated to contribute to our business objectives as set out in our Corporate Plans. These include:  

  1. Increasing the value of North/South business
  2. Increasing the number of businesses engaged in North/South business
  3. Increasing the number of first time exporters
  4. Increasing the number of first time innovators
  5. Overcoming barriers to trade and co-operation between Ireland and Northern Ireland
  6. Increasing awareness/understanding of InterTradeIreland’s programmes and services in sectors or geographical areas where there is limited participation

Our approach to sponsorship

InterTradeIreland will consider sponsorship proposals that promote or further our corporate objectives. While always open to innovative suggestions, the type of sponsorship arrangements we typically enter are:

a)      On a commercial basis
b)      Suitable to our current business needs,
c)      Sufficiently scoped or specified to be evaluated beforehand and
d)      Capable of demonstrating that they will provide Value for Money (VFM).
e)      Offered on a strategic/partnership basis

 
As a general rule, the onus is on the proposer to demonstrate how their proposal will further InterTradeIreland objectives. When we take a sponsorship proposal forward, we will work with the proposers in specifying acceptable measurable targets/deliverables. We will typically make our agreed financial contribution once it has been demonstrated that these targets/deliverables have been met.

Irrespective of a proposal’s merits, we can only fund sponsorship opportunities within budgetary parameters.  Rather than maintain a budget specifically for sponsorship, we assess proposals against our current business needs and VFM criteria.  

The length of time it takes to reach a decision on whether to sponsor a particular proposal will largely depend on the value of the sponsorship sought and the quality of the proposal. For a successful proposal, the time between first approaching InterTradeIreland and final approval is likely to be at least one month.

Sponsorship Process


A proposal will go through the following stages:

Stage 1: Pre-qualification


This stage is designed to help both the Proposer and InterTradeIreland make an initial decision as to whether a proposal would be suitable for InterTradeIreland’s current business needs and budgetary position, before requiring the completion and submission of Sponsorship Brief (see Stage 2). Before contacting InterTradeIreland a proposer should be able to describe:

  • How and to what extent their proposal would contribute to one or more of the InterTradeIreland objectives set out above (e.g. increasing the value or number of companies engaged in North/South business).
  • If and how their proposal represents VFM for InterTradeIreland (i.e. what are the costs and benefits to InterTradeIreland of this proposal)
  • Be able to demonstrate a record or ability to deliver the sponsorship project.

 
The Proposer should then contact InterTradeIreland – by phone or in writing – to allow us make a decision as to whether:

1.      Their proposal meets the three criterion (InterTradeIreland Objectives, VFM and ability to deliver)

2.      The budget for the proposal is available.

Stage 2: Invitation to submit a sponsorship brief

 

Provided InterTradeIreland consider that the proposal meets these criteria and budget is available, an invitation to submit a sponsorship summary brief which provides some basic information about the initiative will be extended. This proposal will enable InterTradeIreland to make a quick decision based on suitability and operational needs at that time. The InterTradeIreland communications team will respond to this brief within 10 working days with either a decision to proceed/not proceed or request for more information.

Stage 3: Invitation to submit a full application

 

If the sponsorship brief indicates the proposal would further InterTradeIreland objectives and monies could be made available, the applicant would be invited to submit a full sponsorship application within 5 working days of this decision being communicated to him/her. The full application would be evaluated within InterTradeIreland by a multi-disciplinary team and Executive in accordance with our sponsorship and financial procedures. Depending on the amount of sponsorship funding applied for, the Board may have to consider the application. The applicant will be informed as soon as possible of the outcome.

Stage 4: Approvals and sponsorship management

 

Should a proposal be accepted by InterTradeIreland, a Letter of Sponsorship will be issued specifying the terms and conditions on which the sponsorship is offered (e.g. proposers undertakings, targets, amount of sponsorship and payment terms). On finalisation of the terms of sponsorship, the letter would be signed by both parties. A representative from InterTradeIreland would be assigned to liaise with the proposer for the duration of the project.

Stage 5: Evaluation

 

Following delivery of the project, the proposer would be expected to demonstrate the extent to which the project delivered against the targets agreed in the letter of sponsorship. Note that payment will not be provided until terms and conditions of the sponsorship have been met.

 
For any queries relating to sponsorship please contact:

Dwayne Stewart

Communications Manager

Tel: 028 3083 4161 (048 from Ireland)

Email: dwayne.stewart@intertradeireland.com