Cork firms look to links with the North

A major business linkage event for business owners in the Republic of Ireland to meet with Northern Ireland counterparts takes place next Tuesday in Cork.

The event will bring together more than 100 businesses in the Silver Springs Moran Hotel in the city with the aim of increasing cross border trade between Cork and Northern Ireland.

The event is being run by MicroTrade, microtrade.org, a partnership between the County and City Enterprise Boards, Enterprise Northern Ireland and InterTradeIreland.

Through MicroTrade, the Cork Enterprise Boards have been building links with the north over the last two years and will host 30 Northern Irish businesses from various sectors at the event.

Dave Cody, chief executive of Cork City Enterprise Board, said the North offered great opportunities for Cork firms.

The day will comprise a series of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings, SpeednetworkingTM and an informal dinner in the company of Minister Michael Ahern TD.

Munster, Ireland and Lions lock, Moss Keane, will entertain delegates with some stories of working and playing with Northern Irish counterparts.

Attendance at the event is free but those wishing to attend must book by contacting Stephen Thompson of R&H Consulting on 01-4197000 by Friday.