Network Ireland: 10th – 14th March 2010

International Business Wales (IBW) offers Wales based companies the opportunity to:
• Explore business potential in Ireland as part of an IBW sponsored trade mission;
• Identify partners in the market that will assist you to build sales;
• Combine a bespoke meeting agenda with high profile networking activities.

IBW has put together a combined package of support aimed at clients who are looking to win new, or grow existing, business in Ireland.

THE COST:
You have the choice of two options:
• Basic Mission Package: £350 (includes flights to and from Cardiff, 4 night’s accommodation in Dublin, a networking reception and all transfers).
• ITO-Plus Mission Package: £800. All of the above plus a bespoke, pre-arranged, 2-day meeting programme and follow-up support.
Please note, the subsidised cost is available to one representative per eligible Wales based company.
Places on this mission are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for applications is: Friday 5th February 2010.

THE OPPORTUNITY:
Wales and Ireland share a long trading history and, despite the recent economic downturn, Ireland remains an excellent market for Welsh companies. Personal relationships are an important aspect of business development everywhere, but especially so in the Irish market. While quality, delivery and price competitiveness are key considerations, the level of personal rapport attained is of crucial importance in an Irish context and often makes the difference between two otherwise equal suppliers. This mission has been specifically designed to help clients do business in Ireland. It is an ideal opportunity for those new to the market whilst also something that could help those companies with existing links to grow their business further still. For those clients who need support in finding new business partners in Ireland, IBW is able to put together a bespoke schedule of in-market meetings with important networking opportunities (see below).
A reception has been organised by IBW at the British Ambassador’s residence. Guests will include WAG Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, senior officials from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and representatives from the business community in both countries. In the interests of deepening business relationships, Welsh delegates are invited to bring a guest.

ITO-Plus Option
If you elect for the ITO-Plus Mission option, the following elements will be included in your package:

CONSULTANCY ADVICE:
An IBW consultant (IBDG) will liaise with you to establish the type of business contacts you wish to identify in Ireland, be it a distribution partner or direct customer, and will build a profile of the ‘perfect partner’ for your company, learning more about your product or service.

IN-MARKET INVESTIGATION:
The IBW consultant will research your target sector to verify the route to market for your particular product or service. Target companies that fit your given criteria will be identified and contacted to establish their suitability as potential partners/customers and interviewed to assess interest in your company. Meetings will then be organised with companies that offer the best prospects for future business.
IBW will endeavour to put together a programme of meetings to maximise your time in Ireland. Every company you meet will know why you are there, will have indicated an express interest in your proposal, and be ready to further assess the opportunity face to face.

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS:
Your mission information pack will include background information on each of the companies you are to meet along with details of your travel schedule. This will be sent to you in advance so that there is time to prepare for the visit. IBW representatives will be contactable by telephone at all times throughout the in-market visit.

FOLLOW UP:
You will be asked to provide feedback of how the meetings went so that IBW has a good understanding, from your point of view, as to the next steps that need to be taken in order to convert those introductions into real business. This process ensures that you have a good knowledge of the target company’s requirement and are able to provide solutions to their needs through an efficient programme of communication and follow-up.

IN-MARKET ACTIVITIES:
A number of group activities will be included in the market visit, including:
• In-market briefing by UKTI staff.
• Reception at the British Ambassador’s residence in Dublin.
• Networking event around the Ireland/Wales Six Nations Rugby match on 13th.
For further details please contact the IBW European Trade events administration team
(IBDG) on 01908 238 001 or complete the form below.