Companies set out stalls at 2018 Summit
OVER 60 BUSINESSES from around the South East took the opportunity to network and reach out to potential new clients at this year’s Wexford Business Summit.
Taking place in Wexford County Council’s ‘Street’ on Wednesday, the event drew a crowd of interested business owners and individuals, keen to see what was on offer in the locality as well as checking out some of the extra events such as talks from Paddy Power Head of Marketing Paul Mallon, and Flahavan’s Managing Director, John Flahavan.
Businesses and companies of all types, and all sizes, had the chance to showcase the best of what they do. From office furniture with a difference, to 3D printing; from financial advice companies to the promotion of arts and sports, this year’s list of exhibitors touched on every industry.
The event was opened by Chamber President Niall Reck, Council CEO Tom Enright, and Council Cathaoirleach Keith Doyle.
Mr Enright remarked that the summit gave companies a chance to network, do business, create new connections, recruit new employees and gain some insight to help their growth.
He said: ‘After a number of very difficult years, it’s wonderful to see that many businesses have started to gain confidence again to invest and to take on new staff. There are, as always, challenges ahead, and none more so than Brexit, but I can assure you that Wexford County Council is here to support you, from micro-enterprises via the Local Enterprise Office through to larger companies via our Economic Development team.’
Mr Enright commended everybody involved in bringing such a high quality event to the local business community and paid special tribute to Wexford Chamber, as well as the Facilities Management staff and Economic Development staff in Wexford County Council.
Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Doyle remarked: ‘As one of the main sponsors of the event, Wexford County Council is proud of the success that this event has achieved, providing real opportunities for businesses to learn and grow, and it continues to play an active role in showcasing all that is good about Wexford business.’
Following that, the team from the Google Digital Garage demystified the process of analysing business data.
A large crowd migrated towards the main stage for Paul Mallon’s talk, ‘30 years of mischief, mistakes and things they don’t teach you in marketing school’, in which he shared some of his top tips from his experiences in a company whose marketing strategies have never been accused of being ineffective. Although, he did voice his disappointment that a recent ‘drive-in confessional booth’ to correspond with the Pope’s visit did not provoke as much outrage as had been expected!
Companies also took advantage of the Angel’s Den pitching competition and the Meet the Buyer forum that was offered on the morning.
John Flahavan discussed how going Green helped Flahavan’s to develop in a positive way, and Phil Walker rounded off the event with a discussion about Business and Global Warming, and what companies could do to play their part in an ever-growing area of concern.
Commenting on the success of the summit, Chamber President Niall Reck said: ‘ The ninth annual Wexford Business Summit was a great success, showing once again that Wexford is a vibrant business location with a lot to offer. Events such as the Summit are essential for helping people build contracts, partnership and network. The Summit has again delivered results to dozens of businesses who came prepared to promote themselves, exchange ideas and build relationships that will provide new business opportunities in the weeks and months ahead.’