Manufacturing & Supply Chain

A new guide to support potential exporters based on the island of Ireland is now available. The Export Start Guide is a partnership initiative from Chartered Accountants Ireland and two enterprise development agencies, Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland.

The Export Start Guide offers comprehensive, practical guidance information for businesses considering new markets and opportunities. Content in the guide includes advice on areas including resources, capacity, evaluating demand, selecting and understanding a market, price expectations and payment, distribution, marketing and export planning.

The guide brings together expert analysis from Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Chartered Accountants Ireland explaining the main things exporters must consider, some common mistakes that first time exporters make and checklists to ensure that potential exporters get their planning right.

As well as expert advice on export strategy, the guide includes some inspirational examples of companies across the island of Ireland which are already selling successfully into global markets.

Copies of the guide, as well as contacts to help companies take the next step are available for free at www.ExportStartGuide.com.

Speaking at the launch, Pat Costello, Chief Executive of Chartered Accountants Ireland said: “In order to make the most of global recovery, we need our best and most innovative companies to export into new markets. We want to create new global competitors and global leaders within our business communities.

“Our Institute comprises 24,000 Chartered Accountants working in over 90 countries around the globe. Our members are an influential body of people. We can, and must, use that influence, expertise and our networks. In particular our 4,500 members working overseas are uniquely placed to encourage and support our best indigenous companies to seek out new horizons, new markets and new opportunities. Export Start Guide can be an important tool in helping to drive business forward on the island of Ireland.”

Julie Sinnamon, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Ireland said: “We welcome this Export Start Guide and see it as a valuable resource for aspiring exporters which will help to support their market entry strategies and maximise their export gains.   It provides relevant information and intelligence to help Irish companies develop a competitive edge and win lucrative contracts in global markets”.

Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest Northern Ireland said: “Our sustained economic growth will only come from businesses developing their global footprint. Supporting first time exporters and indeed more experienced exporters to identify new markets, reach new customers and further develop their partnerships with existing customers is a core part of Invest Northern Ireland’s role and central to strengthening the local economy. I am therefore delighted to welcome the publication of this Export Start Guide which provides a wealth of information to help companies assess their readiness for exporting and devise an export strategy.”