British Irish Chamber Newsletter

British

Irish

Chamber of Commerce

The Focal Point of British Irish Business

REPRESENTING INFLUENCING

NETWORKING SUPPORTING

Welcome To the British Irish Chamber www.britis The British Irish Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of business on either side of the Irish Sea; with a focus on Ireland, Britain and the joint economic space within these Islands. The Chamber offers its membership the ability to influence the key decision makers, to network with a wide variety of companies and organisations, to promote their interests and to gain a wider understanding of the business space that they occupy. Our membership is broadly based, from large multi-nationals, through manufacturing groups, retailers, agribusiness, construction, transportation, financial services, tourism, the intellectual space, small and medium enterprises, the media, arts, sports and other supporting organisations. We aim to cover the breadth and depth of business inter-relationships within these Islands – and we very much welcome out members’ support and interest in our current achievements and look to achieve in the future.

Why are we needed?

The British Irish Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in August 2011 when a group of Irish and British Business leaders met to discuss how the improving and longstanding commercial and economic relationship between the Islands could be helped. The Chamber occupies a unique position across these islands, representing a combined British / Irish economic space estimated to be worth €/£ 52 billion per annum. There is also a wider dimension to the British Irish relationship, Britain and Ireland are interlinked by longstanding geographic, cultural, historic and social ties; ties which have grown stronger as the respect and understanding between the Islands continues to develop. The Chamber is seeking to build on these links and looks to become the focal point of the British / Irish business and economic community.

Steve Aiken CEO British Irish Chamber Of Commerce

Steve A i k e n CEO Br i t i sh Ir ish Chambe r Of Steve rce Aiken was appointed Comme Chief Executive of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce in 2011. As Chief Executive, Steve is responsible for delivering the vision, strategy and development of the organisation.

Steve came from a background Welcome To the Br i t i sh Ir ish of senior UK Government policy Chambe r making positions including leading the influential Global Strategic

Ken Burke, Head of Business Banking, AIB; Steve Aiken; Gillian Keating, President, Cork Chamber; HE Ambassador Dominick Chilcott at Cork Chamber Conference, 2013

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The British Chamber Trends group,Irish advising on issues of Comm represents interests of businesse of ClimatetheChange, Energy either side of and the Resource Irish Sea that Security, Europe Scarcity on amongst others.Britain and the j focused Ireland, economic space Previously he also hadwithin a career asthese Isla The Chamber offers its and membership a Nuclear Submarine Captain ability influence theof key deci has had to extensive experience makers, network withthea wide var the Polarto regions, South Asia, and Far East.

He holds an of Middle companies and organisations, MPhil in their International Relations promote interests and to ga from the University of Cambridge, wider understanding of the busi a MA from Kings College space that they London, occupy. and is completing a Doctorate, membership is broadly based, f again in International Relations, large multi-nationals, thro at Cambridge. manufacturing groups, retai agribusiness, construct transportation, financial serv tourism, the intellectual space, s and medium enterprises, the media, arts, sports and other, suppor organisations. In short, we aim to c

The Mission The mission of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce is to promote the interests of its membership in the combined British Irish Joint Space. We engage with key stakeholders in business, in the international, national and regional governments, amongst political parties and other trade and economic organisations, and with the commercial community and informed media. In doing so, the Chamber will help foster improving relationships within these Islands.

Steve Aiken; Paul Tuite, Advisory Leader, PWC; Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore, TD; Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg attending a Business leaders event hosted by PWC and the British Irish Chamber of Commerce

Activities The Chamber is heavily involved in influencing activity. We represent a broad range of ideas and perspectives to key stakeholders across all levels of government and industry. We engage with and hold reciprocal memberships of Chambers Ireland, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, The Council of British Chambers of Europe, UKTI, Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI. We strongly believe an inclusive process is critical to representing our interests, and the interests of our members.

Events The Chamber’s high profile networking events range from the regionally focused, subject specific briefings given by business leaders, to key conferences and national dialogues, to national events surrounding cultural and sporting events. However, the Chamber does most of its work out of the public eye, conducting much of our interaction ‘in camera’ allows both our members and key stakeholders to engage in freer debate.

Steve Aiken; HE Ambassador Dominick Chilcott; Fergal Naughton, President, British Irish Chamber 2010-2012; among members and friends to celebrate the second anniversary of the Chamber’s inauguration

Over the coming years we will see a closer interdependency occurring, not just within these islands, but globally. To the challenges of the current economic uncertainty, there are longer term issues of the rise of Asian markets, the impact of climate change, the growing need to protect the environment whilst sustaining our high standard of living, demography and regional insecurity. By working with our closest neighbours, we as a Chamber aim to be well placed to help our members and commercial interests in both Britain and Ireland gain the maximum benefit, for all our futures.

Steve Aiken; Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Vernon Coaker, MP; and Michael Keaveney, Director GB, British Irish Chamber of Commerce attend the Chamber’s Autumn Reception in the IoD, London, 21st November

Julian King, Director General, Northern Ireland Office; An Taoiseach Enda Kenny; HE Ambassador Dominick Chilcott; Steve Aiken attend the President’s Gala Dinner, 2012

www.britishirishchamber.com

President’s Address It was a great honour to be elected the second President of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce at its AGM in April 2013. Two years after its launch the Chamber has grown exponentially, in a large part due to the fantastic work of my predecessor Fergal Naughton, who’ll certainly be a hard act to follow.

This is an exciting time for the Chamber. Two years of hard work has seen it establish a strong presence in the business community on both islands with significant steps having been taken to achieve the Chamber’s ultimate goal – becoming the focal point of British Irish Business.

The formation of the Chamber was seen as a natural progression of the British-Irish relationship which built upon the Queen’s visit in May 2011.

The increasing cordiality of British-Irish relations can be seen in the enthusiasm for involvement in the Chamber and in the interest of the business community, political leaders and the media in the Chamber’s activities and opinions.

John Shine It was a great honour to be elected the second President of the British Irish Cham President, The Joint Declaration between An Taoiseach Kenny and2013.

Prime BritishaIrish Chamber ofthe Commerce at iEnda ts AGM in April Two years fter its launch Chamber has grown expo Minister David Cameron in March 2012, the first of its kind not focused part due to the fantastic work of my predecessor Fergal Naughton, who’ll certain on Northern Ireland, set out the two leaders’ aims to further strengthen follow. the relationship, particularly in light of the economic challenges facing both countries. The Chamber seeks to build on the commitments made This is an exciting time for the Chamber. Two years of hard work has seen it in the Joint Declaration and develop the economic relationship even presence in the business community on both islands with significant steps hav further. achieve the Chamber’s ultimate goal – b ecoming the focal p oint of British Irish Bus

The close ties and similarities greatly encourage extensive bilateral formation economies; of the Chamber was seen as a natural progression of the Britis trade. Both countries have open, diverse, The export-driven which built upon the Qhave ueen’s visit in May 2011. The increasing cordiality of British both speak English; are members of the Single European Market; be seen in the enthusiasm parliamentary systems of government; compatible cultures; comparable for involvement in the Chamber and in the intere educational and legal systems and a closely-linked banking sector as and the media in the Chamber’s a ctivities and opinion community, p olitical leaders Fergal Naughton, President British Irish Chamber 2011well as close familial ties.

2012; HE Ambassador Dominick Chilcott; John Shine The Joint Declaration between An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Prime Minister March 2012, the first of its kind not focused on Northern Ireland, set out the tw further strengthen the relationship, particularly in light of the economic chal countries. The Chamber seeks to build on the commitments made in the Join develop the economic relationship even further.

The close ties and similarities greatly encourage extensive bilateral trade. Both co diverse, export-­‐driven economies; both speak English; are members of the Single have parliamentary systems of government; compatible cultures; comparable ed systems and a closely-­‐linked banking s ector as well as close familial ties.

Peter O’Shea, Head of Regulation and Strategy, ESB; A quick look at the trade statistics of our two countries’ economic relationship Julian King, Director General, Northern Ireland Office; Joe2012 McHugh, TD;UK Neil overtook Naughton, CEO, GlenDimplex; dependency clearly evident. In the Belgium as Ireland’s sec John Shine, President, BICoC; Brian Britton, Managing John Shine, President and Michael Keaveney, Director GB attend Ireland Day at the London Stock market (behind only the US) while the UK was Ireland’s largest import market. Ir Director, Oriel Windfarm Exchange

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A quick look at the trade statistics of our two countries’ economic relationship makes the mutual dependency clearly evident. In 2012 the UK overtook Belgium as Ireland’s second largest export market (behind only the US) while the UK was Ireland’s largest import market. Ireland was the UK’s fifth-largest export market and ninth-largest import market in 2012. Joint trade between the two countries is worth over €50bn.

British Irish Race Day

The trade relationship is vital to both countries and in many aspects is growing despite difficult economic conditions. The Chamber seeks to build on this and facilitate the full realisation of the potential of bilateral business and trade in all sectors.

The work of the Chamber over the first two years culminated in the successful conference in the Aviva Stadium in January 2013. Over 300 delegates attended the Chamber’s flagship event that saw breakout sessions in the Chamber’s main policy areas and included the signing of an historic MoU on Renewable Energy by Minister Pat Rabbitte and Secretary of State Ed Davey. The excellent turnout, keynote addresses by high-ranking politicians and industry leaders, and a considerable media presence showcased the enthusiasm for the Chamber’s activities and the political support on both islands.

The Chamber is under no illusions as to the difficulties faced on these islands. While the statistics are impressive and further potential extensive, trade needs to be constantly nurtured and monitored.

Globalisation and the growth and development of technology means increased investment is needed to keep pace. Constant action regarding prices and regulation is required to ensure companies remain competitive. Challenges such as the continued exchange rate fluctuation provide every day obstacles for inter-island business while the possibility of a UK exit from the EU would lead to a great deal of uncertainty and is a development neither the Chamber nor its members want to come to pass.

The Chamber works with businesses and governments to recognise the challenges faced and the opportunities available while also serving as a valuable networking and support forum through regular events and its presence across the islands. It represents its members’ interest and gives voice to their requirements, be they start-up SMEs or large multinational corporations, across all sectors.

Daniel Moloney; Steve Aiken, Minister Simon Coveney, TD; Pat Downes, Giltown Stud; HE Ambassador Dominick Chilcott; Mary Moloney; Michael Halford, Trainer

Nicola Byrne, 11890; Yve O’Driscoll, Membership & Events Director, British Irish Chamber

Members of the Moloney Family Gather at the presentation of the King George V Cup which has been in their family for 102 years

Over the coming years the Chamber hopes to build on the work done thus far and expand the Chamber’s reach, influence and membership all the while enhancing its position as the predominant inter-island business organisation.

I look forward to meeting you all, either individually, or at one of our events.

Eamonn Egan, Country Manager, Lloyds Ireland; Minister Simon Coveney, TD: Steve Aiken, British Irish Chamber holding the King George V Cup

www.britishirishchamber.com

Tour of Heathrow Terminal 2 On 6 June Chamber members were invited to tour the new Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport. Still under construction, the new Terminal 2 will open on 4 June 2014 and will be the new home for Chamber Member Aer Lingus and the Star Alliance airlines. The new Terminal 2 will dramatically change the user experience of those flying between Ireland and Heathrow with much shorter walking distances between gates and arrivals/departures and waiting areas better designed for both the business and leisure user.

All Chamber members who took part in the tour were deeply impressed by not only the scale of the project, but the primacy of the user experience in every part of the new Terminal’s design as well as the commitment to environmental sustainability. When fully operational the new Terminal 2 will be capable of handling 20 million passengers every year.

Micheál Grace, Mason Hayes & Curran; Stephen Young, HSBC; Simren Priestley, Hume Brophy; Aoife Roche, The Doyle Collection; Michael Keaveney, Director GB

The new Departures Area in Terminal 2

Chamber members who participated in the tour of Terminal 2

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Chamber Members inspecting the first completed gate at Terminal 2

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Spring Lunch On 11 March the Chamber hosted its inaugural London Spring Lunch at the IET on Savoy Place.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Johnny Shine, ESB; Theresa Villiers MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; Steve Aiken, British Irish Chamber

Guest of honour at the lunch was Taoiseach Enda Kenny and also in attendance were Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Teresa Villiers, Lord Mayor of London Roger Gifford and Ambassador Bobby McDonagh.

Taking place on the day of the British Irish Summit between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach, guests heard from the Taoiseach on the latest positive signals from the Irish economy and the every strengthening relationship between Britain and Ireland.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Valerie Lawlor, McCannFitzGerald

In her remarks Secretary of State Villiers spoke of the closeness of the relationship between the two islands. The Chamber is grateful for the generous sponsorship of the lunch from ESB International and Ulster Bank.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny & Johnny Shine, ESB

Rory McGowan, ESB; An Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Mike Ainger; GEO Networks

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny; Vernon Coaker MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

Michael Keaveney, British Irish Chamber

John P. Matthews, Deutsche Bank & An Taoiseach Enda Kenny

Theresa Villiers MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

www.britishirishchamber.com

Inaugural Annual Conference The British Irish Chamber of Commerce inaugural annual conference was held on 24th/25th January in Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Titled “Gathering for Action: Delivering Joint Business Opportunities for the UK and Ireland in 2013”, the main objective of the conference was to bring forth the issues raised in the Joint Statement of March 2012 as they apply to our members. Focusing on the challenges and possibilities in the energy, food and agribusiness, SME and cultural sectors, the conference brought together industry leaders and senior representatives from Westminster, Leinster House, and the regional assemblies to discuss plans to maximise the potential of the joint business space in 2013. Keynote addresses were delivered by the Rt. Hon. Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business and Innovation; Arlene Foster, MLA Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment; the Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales; Lucinda Creighton, TD, Minister of State for European Affairs; Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland; and Pat Rabbitte, TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Eoin Tonge, CSO of Greencore, facilitated a panel discussion under the banner of ‘Maximising Interdependency in Food and Agribusiness’. The session called for further cooperation in knowledge and innovation; the promotion of the sharing of best practice on regulation by improving ties with both the FSA and the FSAI; and promoting cooperation on sustainability and food security.

The Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism (CAST) syndicate gathered under the banner ‘Performing Even Better Together’ to host a ‘Ted Talks’ style discussion on the potential for the sector. The group committed itself to the progress of key deliverables in 2013: maximising cross-sectoral awareness of key initiatives and opportunities; a commitment to build on the array of information services that enable good decision-making and support for the CAST sector; and the acknowledgement that a valuable contribution to community engagement and equality of access and opportunity can be made in Northern Ireland.

The Energy syndicate saw panellists discuss progress ‘Towards Closer Integration of the Energy Sector’. The energy breakout culminated in the historic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Renewable Energy by Pat Rabbitte TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. The intra-island cooperation this document demonstrates is a prime example of the two countries’ new relationship and was a fitting highlight of the first ever British Irish Chamber Annual Conference. Its success will act as a catalyst for this Chamber as it looks to foster collaboration in other areas.

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“The relationship between our two countries has never been stronger or more settled, as complex or as important, as it is today” Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Prime Minister David Cameron Joint Statement, 12th March 2012

“This Chamber fills a gap and it has an important role to play” Pat Rabbitte, TD Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Rt. Hon. Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills

Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland

Andy Kinsella, CEO Offshore, Mainstream Renewable Power; Senator Fiach MacConghail, Director, Abbey Theatre; Nicola Byrne, Founder and CEO, 11890 Directory Enquiries; and David Redfern, CSO, GlaxoSmithKline

Steve Aiken, Lucinda Creighton TD, Minister of State for European Affairs; Denis O’Callaghan, AIB

Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales

Ed Davey MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change and Pat Rabbitte TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, sign the Memorandum of Understanding on renewable energy

Steve Aiken, CEO, British Irish Chamber; Paula Freedman, Director, Strategic Trade Group, UKTI; Rt. Hon. Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills; Fergal Naughton, President, British Irish Chamber; Brian Britton, Managing Director, Oriel Windfarm; Dominick Chilcott, British Ambassador

John McGrane, Head of Product and Service Sales, Ulster Bank Corporate Banking; Yve O’Driscoll, Membership and Events Director, British Irish Chamber; Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales; and Ron Immink, Co-Founder, Small Business Can, at the cultural event in the National Concert Hall

Fergal Naughton, President, British Irish Chamber, Arlene Foster MLA, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; John McGrane, Head of Product and Service Sales, Ulster Bank Corporate Banking

Rt. Hon. Vince Cable; British Ambassador Dominick Chilcott; Steve Aiken, CEO, British Irish Chamber; Paula Freedman, Director, Strategic Trade Group, UKTI; Brian Britton, Managing Director, Oriel Windfarm

www.britishirishchamber.com

Three SME Members Seconded to the Board Nicola Byrne, 11890 11890 in Ireland and 118900 in the UK is a directory enquiry company based out of Ireland. The company was founded in 2006 and since then has offered the market a competitive directory enquiry service. Cloud90 is our latest product offering and is a live social media monitoring, filtering and feeding service. We joined the chamber to grow our trade in the UK and to take use of the networking which the chamber offers. As a board member it is important to me to make sure that Small Medium Enterprises have a strong voice and are recognised and supported as an integral part of the chamber.

“The bilateral relationship between Ireland and Britain has never been better” Lucinda Creighton, TD Minister of State for European Affairs

Alan Sullivan, Meditec Medical Established in Ireland in 1999 by Alan Sullivan and Michael Sullivan, Meditec Medical design, manufacture and supply clinically proven support surfaces and pressure relieving devices which prevents and treats pressure ulcers. For the past two years, Alan has been an active member of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and has benefited greatly by gaining valuable business networks and an invaluable insight into how people conduct business within the UK. Alan has had both positive and negative experiences exporting to the UK and so has the ability to advise SME’s who wish to export to the UK. He believes that the Board should reflect an industry mix of both Ireland and the UK and as an Irish manufacturer with an UK base; Meditec Medical represents this sector in a significant manner.

Jacquie Marsh , The Butler’s Pantry The Butler’s Pantry the award winning leading brand was established in 1987. Today the business employs 90 people with a turnover about to reach the 5 million mark and our tenth shop just ready to open in Castlenock . Our unique selling point is that our full range of products, soups, main courses, breads and deserts which all sell under The Butler’s Pantry brand are all still made completely by hand.

We use only local Irish artisan suppliers for all of our ingredients and so taste is still our key marketing strategy. Our 9 shops boast a memorable shopping experience with a sense of theatre happening in our shops every day. Our rolling five year business plan sees continued expansion both in Ireland and in the U.K. With this expansion in mind The Butler’s Pantry went forward for the European Business Awards in 2012 and was shortlisted as a national finalist. We represent an expanding and high potential SME with experience of expanding into the U.K. market.

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“These long relationshiped links between our two nations continue to go from strength to strength and long may this continue” Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones First Minister of Wales

“Ireland is a very important trade partner and this is something we want to build on further” Rt.Hon. Vince Cable, MP Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

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staff directory www.britishirishchamber.com Steve Aiken was appointed Chief Executive of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce in 2011. As Chief Executive, Steve is responsible for delivering the vision, strategy and development of the organisation.

Steve came from a background of senior UK Government policy making positions including leading the Chief Operatinginfluential Officer Global Strategic Trends group, advising on issues of Climate Change, Energy Security, Europe and Steve Aiken Resource Scarcity amongst others.

Ph: 00 353 (0) 1 Previously 400 4200he also had a career as a Nuclear Submarine Captain and has had extensive experience of the Polar regions, South Asia, the Middle and Far East. He holds an MPhil in International Relations from the Steve A i ke n CEO University of Cambridge, a MA from Bri t i sh Ir ish Chambe r Of Kings College London, and is Comme rce completing a Doctorate, again in International Relations, at Cambridge

Director, Membership and Events we are achieving now and look to

Yve O’Driscoll achieve in the future.

Welcome To the Bri t i sh Ir ish yve.odriscoll@britishirishchamber.com Chambe r Ph: 00 353 (0) 86 0411 831

The British Irish Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of businesses on either side of the Irish Sea that are Why are we needed? focused on Ireland, Britain and the joint economic space within these Islands.

The British Irish Chamber, since its The Chamber offers its membership the foundation, occupies a unique position ability to influence the key decision amongst the business communities makers, to network with a wide variety across these islands. It represents the of companies and organisations, to economic and commercial interests of promote their interests and to gain a our nearest neighbour. The combined wider understanding of the business British/Irish Director, Great Britain ‘economic space’ has been space that they occupy.

Our conservatively measured (2011) at over membership is broadly based, from €/£ 35 Billion per annum; the UK is Michael Keaveney large multi-nationals, through Ireland’s third largest export market. michael.keaveney@britishirishchamber.com manufacturing groups, retailers, Ireland and the UK are both highly agribusiness, construction, Ph: 00 44 (0) 756 814 globally 2698 enabled, export driven diverse, transportation, financial services, economies that have much in common. tourism, the intellectual space, small With similar legal systems, language, and medium enterprises, the media, the attitudes to investment, higher arts, sports and other, supporting educational systems and workforces organisations. In short, we aim to cover that feel equally at home in either the breadth and depth of Business environment, many UK/Irish companies inter-relationships within these Islands have a genuine intra-Islands feel.

– and we very much welcome our Indeed, the Irish Diaspora community in members’ support and interest in what

Research Associate Page 2 Emily Glen emily.glen@britishirishchamber.com Ph: 00 353 (0) 1 400 4317

www.britishirishchamber.com

Council Members