WEXFORD’S GROWING status as a major centre for business and investment received an added boost last week when the fifth annual Wexford Business Expo was branded “the best yet”.
The event represents a highpoint in the calendar for the hundreds of local businesses who elected to participate in the daylong networking event.
A highly driven team at the Wexford Chamber, headed by CEO Madeline Quirke, organised the entire event with the support of its main sponsor Wexford County Council.
Before the entrepreneurs settled into the main work of the day, building and developing new business contacts, there was time for some reflection on the current state of play in the local economy.
A number of keynote speakers took to the stage at the centre of the busy function room in White’s Hotel to address the crowd.
CEO of Wexford Chamber Madeline Quirke welcomed the audience and paid thanks to all those who had provided “immense support” to this year’s initiative.
Ms Quirke noted that the high calibre of businesses dotted throughout County Wexford is central to the success of an event of this nature.
She also added that proprietor of Chevron Training Karl Fitzpatrick and County Manager Tom Enright were among the key figures who had “embraced this unique opportunity to showcase all that Wexford has to offer” and played a pivotal role in planning the event.
President of Wexford Chamber Martin Doyle subsequently spoke to the audience. Mr Doyle of AIB Wexford, expressed his sincere pride as a “Wexford man and true townie” to have witnessed the high level of co-operation between local enterprises in elevating the town’s reputation as a “brilliant place to do business”.
“We are all working together towards achieving a common goal. This is certainly the best way to reap dividends,” said Mr Doyle.
He advised all in attendance to embrace this opportunity make new connections within the business world during the event and stated: “Swap and collect business cards and hopefully, we will leave here a little wiser and hopefully a little wealthier.”
He concluded on a note of high praise for the dedicated and hardworking team based at the Wexford Chamber offices and described the CEO Ms Quirke as the “First Lady of business in Wexford”.
CEO of Chambers Ireland Ian Talbot also spoke and described the expo as “one of the most significant events” in the national business calendar.
Mr Talbot explored the role that the countrywide network of chambers has played in promoting local economies since its inception over 400 years ago in 1599.
He also recognised the role that the current government has played in support indigenous firms, singling out Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin for praise.
“Things are on the up and it is great to see. We must also recognise the contribution that Minister Brendan Howlin has made,” said Mr Talbot.
County Development Officer with Wexford County Council also outlined the local authorities involvement in the initiative and his own personal objective to ensure Wexford is perceived as a “business friendly county”.
Mr O’Gorman noted that in response to the reform of local government, which commenced in May past, the council has established its own Economic Development Section, which is tasked with supporting local businesses.
The former County Enterprise Board has also been replaced with the local enterprise office, which is currently engaged in a range of development initiatives.
Mr O’Gorman also communicated an apology by County Manager Tom Enright who was unable to attend the event, following the death of his father. Chamber CEO Madeline Quirke joined the council official in sending sympathies to the bereaved.