Forum to host 150-plus firms

THERE is a 60/40 Dublin- Cork breakdown in the 150-plus firms registered for next week’s CORKMEET DUBLIN 2011 networking forum in the Croke Park Conference Centre.

The forum will host 3,000 face-to-face meetings in what previous participants have called “economic speed dating with a difference”. This year’s focus is on indigenous Irish companies, with fewer multinationals appearing than in previous years.

Sectors represented include hospitality with Brennan’s Hotels, Temple Bar Cultural Centre; food with Carroll’s Foods, Kilbeg Dairies and Fastnet Catch; and other sectors such as Action Point Software, Paycheck Plus, MCS Computers, One Stop Engineering, Dog Training Ireland, retail consultants Hays, as well as logistics and other services.

CORKMEET committee chairman Sean O’Sullivan said: “We have seen a significant increase in interest among national businesses this year. The number and calibre of businesses registering is hugely promising and means the trading and networking dynamic this year will be very exciting.

“Cork and Dublin have consistently proven to be prime locations for companies across all sectors, especially SMEs. In fact, indigenous industry — especially the small to medium enterprises — is more important than ever and is key to driving the economy forward.”

The forum takes place on Thursday, November 10. The registration deadline is Friday, November 4.

The forum is the key event in the Innovation Dublin programme, running from October 17 to November 18.

* Log on tocorkmeet.ie to register.