IBEC to extend graduate export programme

The Employer's organisation, IBEC, is extending it's graduate export programme to keep up with a 450% increase in Irish exports over the last ten years.

The export orientation programme helps Irish companies access overseas markets and is today being extended from it's European base to a worldwide platform.

Director of the programme, Caroline Nash, says Irish companies need specific skills to successfully break into foreign markets.

"It is absolutely vital. I think if you try to sell to somebody and you don't speak their language and you are not aware or familiar with their customs, it is very difficult to do so and you can often lose a sale.

"And by having someone on the ground who has these skills and are ready to do the business it is absolutely vital and necessary for a company who rely so heavily on exports."