Seven Scottish businesses will travel to Dublin this week to explore opportunities in the Irish market, as part of a trade mission hosted by accountancy and advisory firm Baker Tilly Ireland.
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is leading the visit on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October as part of its International Trade Partnership with the Scottish Government.
The companies span food and drink, retail, creative industries, professional services and technology. They include East Lothian craft cider maker Thistly Cross Cider, natural skincare brand Raven Botanicals, handmade soap producer Òir Soap, non-profit retailer Leith Collective, strategic design consultancy Nile, creative agency Studio LR and international search and performance marketing specialist Serps Invaders.
Attendees will hear from representatives of the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Ibec, the group representing Irish business, and take part in a programme of meetings with potential customers, distributors and partners. The event takes place at the Dublin office of Baker Tilly Ireland.
Between them, five of the companies already export to markets across Europe, North America and beyond. The businesses are looking to secure distribution agreements, meet prospective clients and build a clearer picture of Irish consumer trends and competition.
MHA is the UK member of the Baker Tilly International network, with Irish operations trading as Baker Tilly Ireland.
Ben Sutherland, Partner at MHA, is to attend the gathering. He said: "Scotland and Ireland have always enjoyed close ties, and the commercial relationship between our two economies offers considerable opportunity for growing businesses. Ireland offers Scottish companies an accessible market on their doorstep, with healthy consumer spending and a thriving business community.
“We’re delighted to be hosting this delegation in Dublin. Having teams on both sides of the Irish Sea means we understand the practical realities of cross-border expansion, from tax and VAT to company structures and funding. These are ambitious, export-ready firms, and we are pleased to support Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and its partners in helping them turn conversations into lasting deals."
The visit forms part of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce's wider international programme, which provides export advice and support to help Scottish businesses grow overseas.
Ireland has long been identified as an ideal export market for Scottish firms, given its proximity and close cultural and economic links. Food and drink, digital technology, construction, life sciences and energy are regularly identified as sectors with shared growth potential.
MHA is a leading accountancy and business advisory firm, providing audit and assurance, tax, accountancy and advisory services to businesses, individuals and not-for-profit organisations.
The firm's other Scottish office is in Aberdeen.
MHA employs more than 2,300 people, including 150 partners and has offices in the UK, Ireland, South-East Europe, the United Arab Emirates and the Cayman Islands.
For information on MHA, visit www.mha.co.uk