1. Supporting Small Business in Sligo
Brexit Seminar, Glasshouse Hotel,
30 June, 2017

2. UNCERTAINTY
“40,000 job losses/2% of labour force” – Central Bank prediction
41% of Irish food and drink, worth €4.4bn pa goes to the UK
Position of Irish emigrants in Britain (and vice versa)
British elections – hard, soft or any Brexit!
Currency fluctuations – parity? British inflation negate over time?
IDA pitch to foreign investors may be improved
Opportunity to attract further investment e.g. fin services to Ireland (Dublin?)
34,000 bus and train journeys across the border every week
Single electricity market – what now?
34% of Northern exports is to the South
Customs union, single market, WTO, Free Trade Agreement
Currency fluctuations, online trade, retail, cross-border ………………..

3. Some responses – Enterprise Ireland
Be prepared grants to develop an action plan (up to €5,000)
Brexit scorecard
Range of pre-existing programmes aimed at increasing business know-how, efficiency, competitiveness and market diversification
LEAN
Overseas offices – an asset to any business considering entering into new markets
Brexit roadshows

4. Some responses – InterTradeIreland
Case studies
Dedicated business advisory events
Brexit readiness vouchers – £1,000 for professional advice
Access to significant Brexit research and information on WTO tariffs
Monthly ezine bringing all the latest business-relevant developments
Public procurement programmes

5. Some Local Enterprise Office responses
Brexit scorecard for small businesses
Technical assistance for micro-enterprises grant
LEAN for micro businesses
LEO innovation and investment fund pilot programme
Pre-existing programmes, e.g. grant aid, mentoring, training, advice,
Increasing awareness, e.g. events such as today’s LEO-sponsored Brexit seminar

6. Local Enterprise Office/Co. Co. initiatives
Rhode Island programme
Europe Direct and Enterprise Europe Network
Co-Innovate (ITI, LEOs and LEAs)
Economic Forum
Contributing to and influencing national and local policy and actions – officials, local committees and councillors

7. Local Enterprise Office Sligo
City Hall
Quay Street
Sligo
twitter.com/LEOSligo
facebook.com/LocalEnterpriseSligo