Notes from Ireland

THE IRISH CHAPTERS OF BITA ARE FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR AN EXCITING 2022!

The air of excitement coming from our chapters across the Emerald Isle is palpable, as they organise their plans for 2022. The last two years has meant that there has been a stall in face-to-face events, but with the vaccination drive going apace, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and the Irish Chapters are ready to leave the starting blocks. The Dublin chapter was the second chapter of BITA founded, and their Christmas Networking lunches are a staple in many calendars. Sadly, for 2021, this event was postponed, however they have a new date of 11th February 2022 which will remain at the InterContinental Hotel. “In the meantime, I want to wish all of our members a very merry Christmas.” Says Chapter Chair Aidan Scollard; “It’s such a shame and was a difficult decision to postpone this event, but it was the right choice. We want our first event back to be joyful and living up to its full potential, and we are hopeful that we’ll be able to host that event in February.

“We have more events planned for the Dublin Chapter, with our social networking events starting again as soon as it is safe to do so, and we’ll also be hosting a networking lunch at the lovely Westin Hotel in the city centre, on the 13th May. We’re looking forward to welcoming all our members, old and new!”

The Cork chapter was founded in 2019, and they too are hoping to get back to hosting their social networking evenings held at Sober Lane soon. Not content to sit on their laurels, they have also been working hard to develop new ideas and add more value for their members. Tina Coy, Chapter Chair of the Cork chapter explains; “We are really excited to announce that in 2022 we will be hosting an exhibition, not only for Cork chapter members, but for all Irish members – and anyone that wants to fly over of course!”

This exhibition is in the planning stages and a co-location event but will be held around the end of June in Cork and Limerick, and will showcase companies and developments in sustainability, innovation and the environment. “Cork has such a thriving industry and is an incredible hub of innovative ideas and businesses, I’m looking forward to sharing this with all the attendees.

“In addition, we are also arranging our first networking lunch on the 29th April, so it’s promising to be a busy start to 2022 for Cork! We meet very month on the 1st Friday online using the REMO platform where we can network across all chapters, details are on the events tab on Bita.ie”

2021 saw the founding of two chapters of BITA – Kent and Galway. Galway is the third chapter of BITA based in Ireland, and Paddy Tamplin who works with Stira, has been an incredible advocate of our mission and ethos having been a long-term member. Paddy has assembled a board with a wide range of expertise, all of whom are also passionate about BITA and what we can offer businesses.

“I’ve always been an enthusiastic supporter of BITA, as I have seen what belonging to the organisation can achieve. I was delighted when I was able to found the Galway chapter and can’t wait to get started on growing it in 2022.” Explains Paddy; “The Galway chapter will look to support and bring businesses throughout the West of Ireland in the BITA network. With this in mind, I am thrilled to announce that our first networking lunch in Galway is scheduled for early March, when we’ll be meeting other members of the board and local businesses that want to get involved. Of course, businesses from outside Galway will also be welcome!”.

Working in concert with our three Irish boards, is Philomena Leonard, who has taken on the role as Market Development Manager for Ireland. She will be supporting them in their growth, and ready to meet and assist any Irish members as needed. 2022 is going to be a year of expansion for BITA, and Ireland will be a driving force behind this growth. It’s going to be an exciting year!