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Sligo Business Network UK

One of the clearest trends of 2004 was the amount of expatriates living abroad who returned to Ireland to set up businesses or to invest in local companies. This is a trend that Enterprise Ireland has been actively involved in encouraging. One successful group involved in promoting opportunities in Ireland to expatriates is the Sligo Business Network in the UK.

Since its launch in London five years ago, the network has grown to approximately 130 people, including many high net worth individuals originally from the Sligo region now living mainly in the London area.

In November, Enterprise Ireland, Abbey Plc and the network organised an event in London aimed at highlighting the excellent business opportunities in the Sligo region and the economic growth it is experiencing. The event gave an outline of a €500 million investment which is underway in the region. This includes: a €70 million inner relief road; new research and incubation space at Institute of Technology Sligo; a 23 km broadband network; expansion of Finisklin Business Park; new 4* hotels; and shopping developments.

The event formed the first of a two stage initiative to encourage investment in Sligo and the creation of new business start-ups. Some members of the network will travel to Sligo in 2005 to consider business opportunities in the region.

At the Sligo Business Network Event in London are from left: Jacqueline Foley, Enterprise Ireland Dublin; Louis Doherty, Sligo Chamber of Commerce; Charles Gallagher, Abbey plc; Andy Rogers, European Marketing Group; Michelle McMahon, IDA Ireland Sligo; Hubert Kearns, Sligo County Manager and Barry Egan, Enterprise Ireland Sligo.