Last week we led a delegation of nine Scottish companies to Dublin for four days of fact finding and strategic connection building. We had a lot of fun, but more importantly our delegates left with meaningful business contacts and leads (and in one case an importer) to help them break into Ireland’s booming marketplace.
The aim of all trade missions is to establish meaningful relationships. From insightful presentations by industry leaders, to curated networking sessions with Irish businesses, participants gained valuable perspectives and practical knowledge about trading opportunities in Ireland.
We got off to a great start with a dinner address from Katy McNeil, Head of the Scottish Government in Ireland, who underscored the importance of collaboration between our two countries. Katy highlighted the resources and support available for Scottish businesses aiming to enter the Irish market, and over the course of our visit, provided contacts and future opportunities to some of our delegates. She even recommended one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin.
We benefitted from expert insights into the Irish economy, business opportunities and advice on how to approach doing business in Ireland from Martin McBride of the Causeway Ireland Scotland Business Exchange. Martin also shared specific insights and contacts for each delegate and their business sector. We all agreed it was the best market awareness session we had ever seen. Martin was joined by Clair O’Neil from Meab Enamels who gave specialist insights and contacts for the retail sector.
A trip to the Guinness Enterprise Centre showed how Irish start ups are supported, and we heard from two growing businesses, as well as gaining an insight into the Irish business incubator ecosystem.
Central to the mission’s success was a high-energy networking event hosted by the Dublin Chamber. Our delegates connected with around 50 Irish entrepreneurs and business leaders, exchanging ideas, exploring market opportunities, and laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Many participants identified this as a turning point, where initial conversations translated into definite opportunities. The photos don’t do the buzz of excitement (and noise level) in the room justice.
And of course, sprinkled throughout the mission were the vital, pre-planned, business to business meetings.
For our Scottish businesses, the trade mission was much more than a visit—it was a launchpad to trading in Ireland. Participants left equipped with new contacts, market insights, and a stronger understanding of Ireland’s business landscape. Early feedback shows that connections made during the mission are already leading to exciting developments, with potential partnerships and ventures in the pipeline.
At the feedback session with our delegates, we asked a number of questions around value for money, appetite for joining us on another trade mission, and whether they are still planning to trade in Ireland. All the responses we received were a resounding ‘yes’. One delegate stated that the business identified will safeguard one job and create one new job.
Colin Marr, CEO of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said “I was so pleased to play a small part in this mission – the nine delegate businesses from across nine different business sectors and scales – represented Scotland in the best possible light and the generosity of our hosts with their insights, knowledge and contacts means that every delegate has a great chance of developing meaningful and profitable business relationships with Ireland in the coming years.”
Inverness Chamber of Commerce is proud to have facilitated this transformative experience, which not only showcased the opportunities in Ireland but also demonstrated the broader benefits of stepping into international markets.
Looking ahead
Exporting is an essential part of a successful economy. As global markets evolve, initiatives, like trade missions, play a vital role in helping businesses expand and thrive. They are more than an exploration of opportunities; they are about building relationships, understanding new markets, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
If your business is ready to take its first steps into international trade, we’re here to help. Contact our International Trade Team at international@inverness-chamber.co.uk to find out more about how we can support your global ambitions along with news of upcoming trade missions.
About the mission
The trade mission to Ireland was led by Inverness Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce from 11-14 November and is part of the International Trade Partnership supported by The Scottish Government and Scottish Chambers of Commerce. The programme and business connections were developed by our International Programmes Manager, Changu Mosojane-Martin, and the mission was accompanied by our CEO, Colin Marr, Deputy CEO, Paula Nicol. We couldn’t have done it without the support of Katy McNeil, Martin McBride, Clair O’Neil and Dublin Chamber, and the work done prior to the mission which received fantastic support from Jerry O’Donnovan (Irish Consul General in Scotland), Royal Bank of Scotland, Dentons and RSM.