Scottish businesses target Irish growth as accountancy firm hosts Dublin trade mission

Seven Scottish businesses will travel to Dublin on 21 and 22 October 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 said.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said it is leading the visit as part of its International Trade Partnership with the Scottish Government.

The companies span food and drink, retail, creative industries, professional services and technology, according to Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. 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.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said attendees will hear from representatives of the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade and Ibec, the group representing Irish business, and will 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.

Five of the seven companies already export to markets across Europe, North America and beyond, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said. The businesses are looking to secure distribution agreements, meet prospective clients and build a clearer picture of Irish consumer trends and competition, it added.

MHA is the UK member of the Baker Tilly International network, with Irish operations trading as Baker Tilly Ireland.

Ben Sutherland, Partner at MHA, who is based in Edinburgh, 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.”

The visit forms part of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s wider international programme, which it said provides export advice and support to help Scottish businesses grow overseas.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said Ireland has long been identified as an ideal export market for Scottish firms, given its proximity and close cultural and economic links, with food and drink, digital technology, construction, life sciences and energy regularly identified as sectors with shared growth potential.

MHA describes itself as 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 said it employs more than 2,300 people, including 150 partners, with offices in the UK, Ireland, South-East Europe, the United Arab Emirates and the Cayman Islands, and that its other Scottish office is in Aberdeen.