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First time exporters take off with First Flight

In 2004 the unique First Flight initiative was expanded, assisting 59 client company participants to prepare and strengthen their first export strategies. First Flight has been developed by Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Exporters Association to provide clients with a systematic process to prepare for exporting. The programme aims to assist clients with managing the risks associated with entering new markets.

The programme is aimed at managing directors and business development directors with direct responsibility for new market development. It is aimed at client companies which are new to exporting or those which are currently exporting less than €30k per year. Participants cited their desire for knowledge on how to enter new markets as their primary reason for taking part in the initiative.

Seven First Flight workshops took place in 2004 in Athlone, Dublin, Dundalk, Cork, Limerick, Sligo and Galway. These workshops identified the key aspects of exporting and introduced clients to the specific services that respond to the special needs of first time exporters. As a result, development plans were created for participants to address their specific needs and to outline effective solutions to meet those needs. This plan formed the backbone of their export-marketing plans, and paved the way for new market entries. A number of companies were assigned a mentor with significant export experience to work specifically with them on their export plans and gained practical, on-the-ground assistance from Enterprise Ireland’s overseas offices.

One participating company, Willow Design and Publishing from Boyle, Co Roscommon, won the Irish Exporters Award First Flight category in 2004. The company designs, produces and markets a range of greeting cards, social stationery and garden gift products. Willow Design used the knowledge and connections it gained from the First Flight programme to help it successfully enter the UK export market for the first time.

Following First Flight’s success with first time exporters to the UK, Enterprise Ireland is expanding the concept and is developing First Flight for both the North American and Asian markets.

Willow Design & Publishing, winner of the Irish Exporters Award First Flight Category from left: David Knight, Managing Director, Willow Design & Publishing; Rita Meehan, Willow Design & Publishing; Mike Kelly, Enterprise Ireland and Don Duffy, Willow Design & Publishing.