Bank of Ireland UK recently joined with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry to host a Meet the Buyer event in Belfast as part of the Connecting for Growth Programme, the cross-border trade initiative designed to facilitate increased business between companies from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The latest event, (Friday 14th November, 2014) the third in a series of four, brings to 600 the total number of local businesses who have taken part in the programme to date, with more than 350 Buyers having facilitated one-to-one appointments with suppliers to discuss potential business opportunities.

Throughout the programme, Connecting for Growth has focused on bringing together businesses with procurement teams from large buying organisations and is open to businesses that have an interest in developing sales opportunities, including cross-border access.

It has provided participants with an opportunity to make a pitch to a wide range of private sector buyers while also encouraging participants to network and develop links with each other, developing useful connections and improving sales techniques.

The event also marked the start of Bank of Ireland UK’s tenth Enterprise Week. Under the theme of ‘Let’s Connect’ the bank is hosting more than 20 networking events, seminars and clinics with business leaders and experts across the region to provide relevant and practical support to local businesses.

Sean Sheehan, Northern Ireland Regional Director for Consumer and Small Business said: “Enterprise Week is designed to help businesses to make connections that will offer growth opportunities. Our partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry in this programme is helping businesses of all sizes to network, engage and explore new markets. It is a further demonstration of our commitment to supporting businesses right across Northern Ireland who want to develop their companies by entering new markets.”

Ann McGregor MBE, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The Connecting for Growth Programme in partnership with Bank of Ireland UK is already making its mark. It is enhancing the export capability of local businesses and encouraging and supporting trade between companies from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The programme is about creating sales opportunities, building networks and facilitating growth.”

Companies that have participated at Meet the Buyer events include Aer Lingus, Bank of Ireland, Avondale Foods, Belfast International Airport, Fane Valley Stores, Whale Pumps, The Mount Charles Group, Fujitsu and Lagan Construction Group.