The Irish Exporters Association (IEA ) and Ulster Bank held the third in a series of six regional business seminars in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel last week titled ‘The Importance of the Midlands to the Irish Export Industry’.
More than 60 exporters and service providers attended this event from all over the Midlands to hear from an export industry panel and industry speakers. A lively panel discussion led by Simon McKeever, chief executive of Irish Exporters Association, took place on industry opportunities and challenges relevant to the region.
“The Irish Exporters Association is delighted to team up with Ulster Bank on our regional seminar series,” Mr McKeever said. “This series will focus on a key international market and provide a platform for driving the IEA’s regional growth and development strategy. It is imperative that we support export-oriented businesses in Ireland, a major source of economic development and job creation.
“The Midlands is an extremely important export location for the country, given its thriving cluster of life sciences, manufacturers, and international business services. With its location in the heart of the country, it has the distinct advantage of being nationally connected with rail and road networks and internationally connected with proximity to the ports and three international airports, at Dublin, Shannon, and Knock.”
Speaking after the event, Pat Horgan, Ulster Bank’s head of SME banking in the south midlands and west, said: “We are delighted to have had the chance to host this event in Athlone, in conjunction with the Irish Exporters Association. We know from talking to our customers that there are exciting and innovative businesses in the Midlands and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to hear more about what matters to them.
“Ulster Bank aims to be number one for customer service, trust, and advocacy and the business roadshow series is an important part of helping us achieve that goal.”
