Trade mission success for local entrepreneurs

SIX Dublin-based entrepreneurs have returned from a hugely successful trade mission to the west coast of the United States where they engaged with some of the world’s foremost business leaders, renowned academics and investors.

The six biz-whizzes included representatives from Northside enterprises including Colm Piercy, CEO of the Blanchardstown based Digiweb Group and David Field and John Tuohy from Nightline, who operate from Jamestown Road, Finglas.

They were part of a 120-strong group of entrepreneurs from across Ireland that participated in the prestigious trip to Silicon Valley, home to many of the world’s largest technology corporations.

The entrepreneurs were all local finalists in the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Programme.

The mission included a comprehensive itinerary that not only built upon the success of previous trips but far-exceeded the high expectations of all participants.

Delegates attended interactive presentations from legal powerhouse, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati – the foremost legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide – and took part in inspiring workshops with US based Irish entrepreneurs including Niall O’Connor, Chief Information Officer at Apple Inc.

Frank O’Keeffe, Ernst & Young Partner-in-charge of the Entrepreneur Of The Year Programme said trade missions were vital to the continued recovery and resurgence of Ireland’s economy.

“By engaging with some of the world’s most prolific and enlightened academics, investors and innovators, the Irish delegates have not only embraced the opportunity to expand upon their international networks but have gained a unique insight to the ambition, determination and energy that permeates the hugely successful entrepreneurial culture of Silicon Valley and has been the driving force behind global brands such as Facebook, Google and Apple,

? he explained.

David Field of Nightline said he was greatly impressed and enthused by his visit to the home of high-tech innovation.

“This trip has provided us with a unique insight to the vast opportunities that exist for Irish businesses across North America and has allowed us to learn from our fellow entrepreneurs who are also operating within the global market place, competing for business and bringing investment back to Ireland,

? he said.

“Not only have we forged an unrivalled network of international contacts that will allow us to build upon our own winning-strategies as we develop and expand our respective businesses but all of the delegates agreed that the real and lasting friendships made throughout this incredible week will remain with us long into the future.

?

The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Programme is supported by The Irish Times, RTE, Newstalk, Enterprise Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland and Intertrade Ireland.