Write a commentLast week around 70 participants representing over 60 companies from the Newry Dundalk region attended a Cross Border Speed Networking Event hosted by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by InterTradeIreland in the Carrickdale Hotel.
In this unique, fast-paced and exciting business-networking event, attendees were allocated 4 minutes in which to network with a fellow participant before a bell rang signally them to move onto the next 3-minute meeting with another company. Master of Ceremonies, Mr Yanki Faulkner, ensured that the event ran smoothly, on-time and was entertaining for all participating.
Ms Orla Jackson, Chief Executive, Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade stated, ‘this is the Fourth year we ran this event and it has proved to be very successful with all attendees making excellent contacts and some even securing lucrative business deals’. Ms Jackson added, ‘I am delighted with this year’s attendance; the attendees were representative of the wide and varied mix of businesses within this Cross Border region.
Feedback from the previous annual speed networking events have been extremely positive, some companies reported the value of contracts earned as a result of the event ranging from £2k to £40k – not bad for a mornings networking!
I would anticipate similar results from this year’s event. In this current economic climate the importance of making good long term contacts cannot be underestimated, valuable contacts are essential for a business’s short term and long term success’.
Speaking on behalf of the event sponsor’s, InterTradeIreland, Ms Margaret Hearty stated, “Success in business today depends on making the right connections. Events such as these give local companies the opportunity to network and to identify new business opportunities by, for example, finding new customers, suppliers, partners and distributors.
“Due to current economic conditions many companies are cautious about the future but our research shows that almost 75% of businesses are looking for potential new markets as a way to combat the downturn. They are keen to be supported to pursue opportunities in cross-border markets with 59% seeking assistance towards cross-border trade and 43% wanting information on the same.”
