STIMULATING AND SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESS IN IRELAND

CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES CELEBRATE CROSS BORDER SALES WORTH 1 MILLION EURO

By James Donlon, July 27, 2007

Small companies in Derry, Donegal, Fermanagh and Sligo that provide products and services to the construction industry could increase their sales substantially by joining BUILD UP, a cross-border network of quality suppliers, funded by business development body, InterTradeIreland.

Established in 2005 with part funding from the European Union, the network has generated additional sales of almost nearly €1 million and increased cross border trade by almost €600,000. BUILD UP includes 20 companies located in Donegal, Derry and Tyrone making a range of products including natural slate, waste products, shower trays, concrete products, scaffolding, heating solutions, security systems, windows, flooring etc.

The project is promoted by WESTBIC, the Business and Innovation Centre for the Border, Midlands & Western Region and Northern Ireland Business Innovation Centre (NORIBIC).

InterTradeIreland Chief Executive Liam Nellis said: “Networks help companies to achieve critical mass and economies of scale and to compete more successfully than they could if they were to act alone. By creating a network of specialised suppliers and partners they can develop their unique assets and respond to the demands of the market. This is a major success story in just two years and demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses work together".

Shaun O’Rourke of Urlar Design Flooring based in Donegal Town and Kilcar said: “We found being part of the Build UP network very useful in meeting suppliers who are of interest and visa versa. We were able to attend Plan Expo over 2 years which has generated some great business for us. We view Build Up as an important tool to expand our markets nationally and in Northern Ireland.”

Charlie Shivers from Copper Industries based in Toome Co. Antrim which makes hot water cylinders, solar powered ones and combination units said: “Plan Expo is the main trade show in Ireland so it was very important for us to get the name out there to a southern audience. Being part of a network made it easy to get noticed having a bigger stand. The promotion which took place before and after the shows through brochure and websites is how we got a lot of leads. Build UP has definitely helped us and we will be continuing our participation. The group is a very lively and friendly bunch.”

Eunan Cunningham from WESTBIC said: “The aim of the cluster was to generate not only cross border business for our participants among each other but to collectively promote the group to develop national and international business. We have found that bringing companies together creates its own energy and business starts to happen. There has been a lot of new growth generated through the sharing of contacts, ideas and of course attending the construction industry trade shows, such as Plan Expo. The website has been an effective business generating tool.”

For further information on how your business could benefit by participating in Build UP or to find out more about the services and products available, contact Josephine McCafferty, WESTBIC on 0749186774 or visit www.buildup.ie

Pictured below are participants of Build UP project, a one stop source for innovative products to the construction industry