SME suppliers from across Northern Ireland and the cross border counties of Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal are encouraged to apply now for a place at a Meet the Buyer event taking place 27 November 2013 in Monaghan.

The event which forms part of the Gateways to Growth cross border initiative, involves large scale Meet the Buyer events and skills development workshops targeted at SME businesses keen to develop cross border trade. Gateways to Growth is delivered by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the COMET Councils in Northern Ireland, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

The programme will attract over 150 SME suppliers and will provide the opportunity for such businesses to pitch to key buyers and grow their cross border network. In preparation for the Meet the Buyer event a series of pre-event workshops will run from 1-13th November 2013 in various locations to prepare participants ahead of the Meet the Buyer event.

Buyers attending the event include: Fujitsu, Bose, H& J Martin, Smiley Monroe, Lagan Construction Group, Seagate, Belfast International Airport, Bombardier, Tayto Group, FPM Accountants and Glanbia.

Martina Crawford, Gateways to Growth Project Manager at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, commented:

“The ultimate aim of the project is to encourage the target companies to supply, buy, network and assist in their growth and development by providing the opportunity to develop their skills set to export in what are viewed as nearby low risk markets. With only 2% of Northern Ireland’s registered businesses currently exporting there has never been a better time for businesses to take advantage of the support offered by the Gateways to Growth programme.”

The programme is open to SMEs located in the Northern Ireland and the border regions that have an interest in developing cross border trade. Businesses must be manufacturing, distributors of manufactured goods, business services, engineering and electronics or web and online creative industries.

Places are limited on the programme so to avoid disappointment request an application form at www.gatewaystogrowth.co.uk or contact Martina Crawford, Gateways to Growth Project Manager on 028 90 244113.