NI conference to help UK/Ireland trade

Growing stronger together and the resulting economic opportunities for Ireland and Britain will be among the issues being discussed at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce annual conference in Belfast this week.

British Ambassador to Ireland Dominick Chilcott said the flow of goods between Ireland and the UK amounts to €1 billion per week.

“The potential for business from deepening alliances is great, and the British Irish Chamber of Commerce Annual conference is a key date on the business calendar for businesses on both islands.”

The continued growth of the Irish and British economies, the opportunities for both, the challenges surrounding access to investment, and the future of Britain in Europe, will be among the issues being debated. Key business figures confirmed to speak at the conference include Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard CEO Anna Malmhake, Intel Labs Europe director Martin Curley, Goldman Sachs Ireland director Hugo MacNeill and Northern Ireland Electricity managing director Joe O'Mahony.

The annual conference dinner will be held in Belfast City Hall on Wednesday, and will be addressed by lord mayor Mairtin O Muilleoir and Wrightbus chief executive Mark Nodder.

On the same day in Dublin, more than 250 chief executives will be gathering for the Ibec CEO conference. Under the theme “from here to prosperity” the event aims to provoke a debate around the challenges and opportunities ahead for the Irish and European business community, in the context of rebuilding reputation, trust and credibility.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny, UK minister for trade and investment Lord Livingston, former rugby international Ronan O'Gara, Glanbia group managing director Siobhán Talbot, Cpl Resources chief executive Anne Heraty and Richie Boucher, group CEO, Bank of Ireland are among the speakers.