How can we help?
Enterprise Ireland helps Irish businesses to become global leaders in their field, by supporting them to explore international exporting opportunities to drive global growth. We have a range of supports to help companies develop market entry plans, fund market research and upskill leadership teams.
Businesses working with Enterprise Ireland benefit from international trade missions, trade event programmes and buyer visits, which are instrumental when growing and scaling internationally.
Based in our 40 offices across 30 countries, our Market Advisors have the local knowledge and connections to guide you in growing your export sales. Market Advisors are a vital source of market intelligence that you can access when planning your go-to-market strategy. They offer practical on-the-ground help and can provide connections to potential customers, partners, and important local stakeholders.
Boost your company's visibility and get promoted to thousands of international buyers and partners, by creating your company’s showcase page on the Irish Innovation Directory. Simply log in to the portal and click Irish Innovation Directory.
![Deirdre McPartlin - UK office director [image]](/resource/blob/167166/254db2b1aee8f5620411010ebd1de135/deirdre-mcpartlin-uk-office-director-image--data.jpg)
The UK is the primary export market for most Irish companies, with many considering it an extension to their home market – a familiar, dynamic, and rewarding environment that offers a vital first step on their journey to global growth.
With a shared language, strong cultural ties, and, similar legal and regulatory framework, Irish companies can gain early traction, prove their international capabilities, and build the confidence to expand further afield. The UK is the largest country export market for Enterprise Ireland clients, accounting for €10.5 billion and 29% of total exports in 2024.
Deirdre Mc Partlin
Regional Director - UK, Nordics, and New Exporters
A Starting Point for exporters
Irish businesses have an advantage in finding synergy and alignment with UK customers. Shared values and business-culture between the two counties along with common legal and business practices reinforce the ease of doing business in the UK. The UK and Ireland also share a Common Travel Agreement that provides Irish citizens the right to passport-free travel, as well as the right to live and work in the UK – a major benefit in the early stages of growing a business.
A Platform to Scale
Successful growth here has provided many Irish businesses with the skills, experience and profile necessary to scale and expand their international footprint. Winning here enables companies to validate their offer in one of the world’s most competitive markets.
Enterprise Ireland plays a pivotal role in supporting Irish companies in the UK, providing tailored market intelligence, in-market expertise through our offices in London, Manchester and Glasgow, and funding supports to help businesses navigate the market and scale effectively.
Please check out the latest insights and webinars below
Ben Aspinall, partner at Ecovis Wingrave Yeats, talks through the pitfalls and challenges around choosing a corporate structure.
Ecovis Wingrave Yeats, breaks down what businesses need to know and the question of whether you actually need to set up a UK bank account or not.
Permanent Establishment Risk can be a challenge to understand, including the risks, if this applies to you and what the implications might be.
View all webinars by clicking the button below
As part of its global network, Enterprise Ireland has offices in London and Manchester and a team of sector experts, each with a UK-wide remit. For further information on the UK, please contact our dedicated market advisors who have the expertise you need, from regional information and sectoral opportunities, as well as the best advice on routes to market and common pitfalls to avoid, supporting you to prepare to scale, globally.
The EU Single Market remains a cornerstone for Irish exporter, providing seamless access to over 450 million consumers with 24 million business operating across the single market enabling it to be a growth engine for Irish innovation, investment, and global competitiveness. In 2024, Irish exports to the EU Single Market were €12.74bn with a year-on-year growth of 10.8%, making the EU single market the largest contributor of overall exports, representing 35% of total Irish exports, €36.75bn.
The largest export markets in Europe are Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden & France. Germany is the largest EU market for EI clients offering opportunities in engineering, automotive tech, chemicals and Industry 4.0; the Netherlands serves as a logistics and digital hub, it is a global leader in agriculture, manufacturing, and services exports, supported by top logistics infrastructure, with innovation and sustainability focus.
Sweden, known as the gateway of the Nordic Region, has an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, co-creation and equality, which has created a highly dynamic economy with a active economy rich in opportunity. France has a strong diversified economy, strong energy, industrial and service sectors including aerospace, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods.
Enterprise Ireland’s thirteen offices across the single market with market advisors who can provide market insights and supports to clients entering and scaling in Europe. Trade missions and in-market advisors help firms identify opportunities and navigate this sophisticated market.
Keelin Fagan
Regional Director - Eurozone & Central Eastern Europe
As part of its global network, Enterprise Ireland has 12 market offices across Europe, covering 30 countries. For further information on the European markets, please contact our dedicated market advisors who have the expertise you need, from regional information and sectoral opportunities, as well as the best advice on routes to market and common pitfalls to avoid, supporting you to prepare to scale, globally.
The Middle East, India and Africa (IMEA) region is a fast-growing market for Irish tech exporters, with a 13% export increase from 2021 to 2022 in fintech, medtech, aviation, and clean technologies. India’s fintech sector is projected to reach $160 billion and medtech $30 billion by 2025.
Enterprise Ireland facilitates growth through offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Cape Town, and Mumbai, offering local expertise, trade missions, and partnerships like the MoU with Dubai Chambers to unlock opportunities in ESG, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
Giles O'Neill
Regional Director - India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA)
For any clients with queries regarding the ongoing unrest in the Gulf and Middle East region, please follow the travel advisory as set out by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and local authorities. For further information, please click on the button below.
As part of its global network, Enterprise Ireland has five market offices situated across India, Middle East and Africa covering 100 countries. Dubai acts as the hub office supported by a network of market experts/ pathfinders.
For further information on the India, Middle East, & Africa Region, please contact our dedicated market advisors who have the expertise you need, from regional information and sectoral opportunities, as well as the best advice on routes to market and common pitfalls to avoid, supporting you to prepare to scale, globally.
Conduct market research to validate the selected market with funding up to €150,000
5 or 10 day senior management programme to develop strategic roadmap
Improve your digital marketing strategy
Achieve new export sales
Conduct market research with funding of up to €35,000