Agnes Fitzgerald and Richard Dickinson launched Irish Business Enterprise in 2017 to allow people to network locally and to connect with businesses on both sides of the Irish border

A Liverpool-based networking venture aimed at bringing together companies an entrepreneurs with a strong connection to Ireland is celebrating its first year – and is reporting significant membership growth.

Local entrepreneurs Agnes Fitzgerald and Richard Dickinson launched Irish Business Enterprise (IBE) at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel in 2017 to allow people to network locally and to connect with businesses on both sides of the Irish border.

New members

From modest beginnings, the IBE membership now includes a major international hotels group, an international serviced office supply group, a listed UK Bank and a large North West law firm.

Both the hotel and serviced office group have a genuine global footprint, revenues measured in billions, and, critically, sizeable presences in major UK and Irish cities.

With Brexit now looming, and with the Irish border playing a crucial role in any deal, it was more important than ever to maintain and grow business connections on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Common goal

The role of IBE is to help bring businesses with Irish interests together, both within and outside of the existing membership – wherever there is a common goal.

The traditional networking is twofold. Throughout the year there are a few open networking events, including celebrating St Patrick’s Day, which are open to the public. Then there are the members marketing meetings. 

The members marketing meetings are kept between members and companies specifically requested by the members to work with. IBE organises small-scale, discreet meetings and events for its members where there is a very specific need, and privacy is paramount.

Business introductions

Because IBE takes no direct role in any business activity, there is no conflict for IBE and it does not act as a paid broker. This means that IBE members can trust IBE to make effective and objective business introductions, without any direct intervention.

Agnes said: “In our first year we have grown to 32 members. We are delighted to have helped those members grow their trade and their links in UK and other markets.

“The value of business done we will not divulge because of our members confidentially agreement.The goal of IBE for 2019 is to double membership and enjoy an even more successful second year.”

For more information on IBE, email info@ibe.ltd or call Agnes Fitzgerald on 07944 785409 or Richard Dickinson on 07740 286077