As the U.K. economy falters and its political system continues with shock announcements on a daily basis, North Kildare Chamber hosted a breakfast briefing on Brexit this morning with guest speaker Lucinda Creighton.
Lucinda, a barrister, former Irish Minister for European Affairs and Member of Parliament is an experienced political strategist and negotiator and now practices as a leading EU public affairs consultant.
During her address to the business community in Kildare, Lucinda urged businesses to now look further than the UK, “Nordic countries are a huge market to explore. We are part of a single market with over 500 million people. Scenario planning is essential , businesses must make sure that existing sterling contracts are feasible and to make sure that future contracts have necessary exit clauses. Whilst there are so many threats to the UK leaving the EU, we must remain positive and look at the many advantages that we enjoy –
A Vibrant US Multi National ecosystem
A desirable lifestyle offering for executives
New market opportunities
New supply chains once we attract FDI
Lucinda urged the Chamber to look at creating a Fintech Hub for Kildare. “Kildare is unique with its close proximity to Dublin and of course Dublin Airport. The Fintech opportunities are very realistic and Kildare is well positioned to create such a Hub”
In closing, the President of the Chamber, Vivian Cummins urged businesses to keep up to date with the ongoing Brexit issues. He stated that the Chamber will be part of a Chambers Ireland delegation in October to Brussels where they will meet with Eurochambres, MEPS and various EU Director Generals.
CEO Of the Chamber Allan Shine said “Hosting this breakfast was extremely important for our members. Several companies are exporting/importing on a daily basis to and from the UK. With the volatility in Sterling and the uncertainty of when and if the UK leave the EU, it was very prevalent to have a speaker such as Lucinda Creighton address our membership this morning”
Vivian Cummins – President of NKC, Guest Speaker, Lucinda Creighton, and County Mayor Ivan Keatley
Allan Shine – CEO of North Kildare Chamber, Guest Speaker, Lucinda Creighton, and Vivian Cummins – President of North Kildare Chamber.