Talk on smoking ban

PERNOD RICARD boss Richard Burrows - the world’s biggest maker of Irish whiskey - is to discuss the impact of the smoking ban and other government regulations at a conference in Dublin.

Mr Burrows will be among the speakers at a Sales Institute of Ireland conference with the theme: “Is Ireland poised to enter a new era of economic growth over the next two years?”

The Pernod Ricard joint chairman will discuss the world economy and trade in Ireland, in particular he will focus on the impact of the smoking ban and other government regulations.

The conference titled “Making it Happen, Building on Success” will be held at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin on November 10.

Key speakers will include Dr Frank Dick, European Athletics Coaches Association president, KBC Asset Management chief economist Eoin Fahy and Grafton Recruitment Ireland managing director Áine Maria Mizzoni

Sales Institute of Ireland vice-chairman and conference organiser John McCormack said sales had been on the upswing for quite some time and all indications pointed to Ireland being poised to enter a new era of economic growth.

The Sales Institute of Ireland’s regular sales business surveys have shown the number of Irish businesses expecting sales to increase over the next quarter has climbed from 70% in October 2003 to 77% in August this year. In the last survey, 84% of respondents expected to see sales increase over the next three years. “This year’s conference will be packed with new ideas,” said a spokesman.