Irish Exporters Association brings Supply Chain initiative to the West

The event titled “Securing the Interests of Irish Exporters in the West” took place at the Clayton Hotel Galway and attracted over 80 exporters and manufacturing companies from all over the west of Ireland. The Seminar included an IEA Expert Advisory Panel and Industry Speakers, Panel Discussion and Breakout Sessions:

• The IEA Expert Advisory Panel with keynote address from Tony Buckley, Assistant Secretary & Deputy Director General of Customs at Revenue, advised attendees of the opportunities and challenges for the western region from a Revenue perspective and preparing for Brexit. Other Industry speakers included Ulster Bank and Rhenus Logisticswho provided expertise on customs, fraud prevention, logistics and the economy and exporters Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Crospon and JFC Manufacturing.
• A lively panel discussion led by Simon McKeever, IEA’s Chief Executive took place on common supply chain challenges and solutions to doing business on and off the Island of Ireland relevant to the western region.
• Breakout sessions in the areas of ‘Skills & Regulatory Update – A Focus on Brexit’, ‘Manging your Foreign Currency Risk’ and a ‘Multimodal Working Group’ were welcomed and attended.

 Advisory Panel & Speakers:

• Economy: Simon Barry, Chief Economist Republic of Ireland, Ulster Bank
• Customs: Tony Buckley, Asst Secretary & Deputy Director General of Customs, Revenue
• Fraud Prevention: John McGinley, Information Security & Cyber Manager, Ulster Bank
• Logistics: Declan Sinnott, Managing Director, Rhenus Logistics
• Blockchain: David Collins, GPAS Business Consultant, Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Industry Speakers:

• John O’Dea, CEO, Crospon
• John Concannon, Managing Director, JFC Manufacturing

Simon McKeever, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association commented: “The West of the Ireland is an extremely important export location. It has the distinct advantage of being internationally connected with access to airports in Knock and Shannon and ports in Foynes and Galway. With an abundance of thriving LifeSciences, ICT, Food & Drink, Manufacturers and International Business Services across the region, our supply chain initiative will provide a network for our corporate members across all sectors to interact and exchange information on challenges, industry requirements and best practice while keeping up to date with local, national and international issues affecting the export industry supply chain. The IEA is currently lobbying for the development of infrastructure in the west in road connectivity and broadband and mobile phone coverage which is imperative to the development of business in the region.”

Pat Horgan, Head of SME Banking South Midlands and West, Ulster Bank, said: “The event this morning was a great opportunity for our team in the West to hear about the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Galway and the surrounding areas and how we can help them. Most business relationships cross borders and time zones and managing that supply chain is vital to their growth. Ulster Bank provides invaluable support for these businesses, whether it’s through managing foreign exchange risk, supplier payment methods or advice on expanding to capitalise on market developments. We’re delighted to continue our strong relationship with the Irish Exporters Association and to continue to provide meaningful support for businesses.”

Glenn Carr, General Manager Freight Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail commented: “We are delighted to be a partner of IEA Supply Chain as we firmly believe there is continued opportunity and interest for the growth of rail freight in Ireland. We are determined to convert that interest and deliver freight train services that are price-competitive, reliable, safe, punctual and environmentally friendly. Our inland port in Ballina currently provides direct rail freight services to both Dublin and Waterford. Supply Chain Ireland allows us to showcase our services and work with all the key stakeholders in developing and growing multi modal logistics solutions.”

Declan Sinnott, Managing Director, Rhenus Logistics Ireland stated: “The Irish Exporters Association Supply Chain programme of events in 2017 provides a real platform to share and exchange supply chain innovations and developments across a number of industries. Rhenus Logistics is proud to sponsor the Irish Exporters Association and its partners through this programme in 2017.”

Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor/Director, Fleet Transport said: “Thanks to the motorway from Galway to Dublin, locally based manufacturers have benefited from faster road freight movements to Dublin Port. However, the routes to Waterford and Rosslare Europort needs investment and improvements to improve transit times. Galway, with two airports nearby – Shannon and Ireland West Airport Knock have an opportunity to offer a broader range of air freight services for the pharma sector, of which there are many located in the West of Ireland. Supply Chain topics such as these are sure to be discussed at the next IEA meeting in Galway.”

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, John O’Dea, CEO of Crospon noted: “Recent changes in US importation rules for medical devices are requiring SME Irish exporters to put new infrastructure in place, and companies need to tune in to the new realities to avoid costly delays.”

John Concannon, Managing Director, JFC Manufacturing: “We’re an international business renowned for manufacturing innovative, high-quality plastic products. Since our formation in 1987 our innovative agricultural products have assisted farmers in working more efficiently saving them time and money.”