Meath Business Owners Network meet on Zoom
Friday the 19th of February saw the monthly zoom meeting of business owners across County Meath. 124 business owners signed up to this month’s call which was chaired by Raymond Gibbons of BMS accountancy. The Meath Business Owners Network is a partnership between County Meath Chamber and Local Enterprise Office Meath and is open to all businesses in the County.
February’s meeting focused on networking among the participants and the agenda featured 3 breakout sessions of ten minutes each. Business owners got the chance to pitch their business within their group and provide support for each other by sharing contacts and offering advice.
Emma Kerins, Head of Communications and Policy with Chambers Ireland was the guest speaker for the online meeting and she explained the role the Irish Chamber had taken during the Brexit negotiations as well as the support they provide to SME’s during Covid restrictions. Emma stressed the importance of talking to your supply chain for any businesses importing or exporting through the UK. “We have a lot of challenges to face with Brexit and businesses in the UK may not be aware of issues that you are having in Ireland. We may see disruption increase as we reopen the economy post Covid.”
Emma took questions from business owners on the call that were having difficulty accessing Covid government supports and those highlighting their issues of VAT on products entering into Ireland from the UK. “There are a lot of inconsistencies with UK suppliers and delivery firms. Practical conversations need to be had with our neighbours in the UK”. The Chamber Network in Ireland are communicating with as many of these businesses as they can to send case studies to the government on enterprises falling through the cracks.
National Award recipients were congratulated on the call. Alan Jackson from Qualitas Electronics was delighted to tell the network about their regional award in the National Enterprise Awards the week before. Sally Ann Cooney was also congratulated from Cooney Distillery on their award for “Best New Make in Ireland” at the World Whiskey awards.
Paula McCaul, CEO of Meath County Chamber reiterated the Chambers commitment to businesses in County Meath. “The facilitating of this network meeting is so important for members and non- members alike. The Chamber is here to support enterprise in County Meath and we urge anyone that is having difficulty with any part of their operations to reach out”.
Lorna Cooney of LEO Meath stated “I am very encouraged to see so many of our local business owners reaching out and connecting with each other. It is through collaboration and sharing or knowledge and ideas that we will pull through these difficult times and build on our resilience. The LEO is delighted to be involved in this network.”
The meeting was kindly sponsored by Pinergy and Permanent TSB. To register for the next meeting on Friday the 19th of March keep an eye on the County Meath Chamber social media pages or www.countymeathchamber.ie. Pre-registration is necessary. To claim your free listing on the Meath Business Directory or to become a member just email info@countymeathchamber.ie
To sign up to the Chambers newsletter just email them on info@meathchamber.ie.