South west delegation travels to the UK to grow economic co-operation
A delegation, consisting of over 40 companies and organisations, travelled to the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry for the second phase in the joint Cork Chamber - British Embassy initiative; ‘Joining the Dots’. The report identifies areas for growth and offers concrete recommendations on how to promote stronger business partnerships and collaboration between the regions in the UK and south west of Ireland.
The delegation, comprising of major global companies and innovative indigenous firms spanning manufacturing, agri-tech and financial services, as well as senior business and government representatives, attended a two- day programme which aimed to develop closer economic relationships with their counterparts in the UK. The programme began with a tour of the world class Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, followed by the UK launch of the ‘Joining the Dots’ and panel discussions.
In addition to a strong Cork contingent, senior business and government representatives from Limerick, Kerry and elsewhere in Ireland were also present. At the launch event, the British Ambassador to Ireland, Robin Barnett signalled that the south west of Ireland as a region has an exciting future and that the strength and quality of the large Irish delegation demonstrated a strong appetite for economic cooperation and partnership.
For companies in the South West of Ireland, the report highlights that the UK remains a key target market with untapped opportunities. Similarly, Ireland is seen as a logical first step for many UK companies seeking to test their capability in overseas markets.
Through discussion on ‘Creating thriving regional economies’ chaired by Katherine Fitzpatrick, Director of International Relations with Cork Chamber and a second panel on ‘Doing business in the Midlands and South West of Ireland’, it was reiterated that there is room for more in-depth collaboration between business and academic institutes across different regions.
To support such collaboration, day two of the programme saw the delegation take study tours of:
• Harper Adams University, focusing on AgTech
• Malvern Science Park, focusing on Cyber
• Birmingham City, focusing on economic development
The delegation visit to the UK Midlands and the study tours provided an opportunity to practically exchange best practices in investment, research, innovation and partnership and to find common areas for further growth and collaboration.
