Chambers Ireland
Flexibility Key to Ireland’s Continued Economic Success

Chambers Host National Business Forum 2008

“Summit for Growth, the Next Phase”

Business leaders were today (13/05/08) told that Ireland has never been better prepared to maximise new opportunities for development and growth despite the recent economic slowdown. The comments were made at Chambers Ireland’s National Business Forum Summit for Growth, the Next Phase taking place today in the Marriot Druids Glen, Wicklow, sponsored by Vodafone and ran in association with the County Wicklow Chamber.

Opening the conference this morning, David Pierce, Chambers Ireland President said “Ireland is now experiencing a new phase of change as we move from a period of high, almost miraculous levels of growth to a period that will be marked by a certain amount of consolidation.”

“Crucial to this transition is ensuring that Ireland remains flexible and seizes opportunities as they arise to control our destiny as an independent and globally recognised actor on the World Stage,” Pierce concluded.

 “The global credit crunch has been well documented over the past few months and even though the full effects on our own economy have yet to be realised, as business people we are extremely aware of it. Strong economic fundamentals, including a business-friendly regulatory environment, attractive corporate tax rate and a highly skilled labour market, have played a huge part in the substantial growth in Ireland’s economy over the past 18 years. While these achievements should not be underestimated, for Ireland to continue to compete with the world’s best, we must continue to stay ahead of the curve. As our economy becomes more knowledge-based and as low value-added activities migrate to lower cost economies, a greater proportion of wealth will have to be generated by indigenous companies. Moving forward, technology will continue to play a key role in this story,” said Colm McVeigh, Director, Business & Enterprise, and Vodafone Ireland.

Chaired by Marc Coleman, Newstalk 106 – 108 Economics Editor, speakers at the conference are:

·          ·          Dick Roche T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs;

·          ·          John Delaney, Chief Executive, Football Association of Ireland;

·          ·          David Pierce, President, Chambers Ireland;

·          ·          Colm McVeigh, Director of Business & Enterprise, Vodafone Ireland;

·          ·          Alan Dukes, Former Minister for Finance and Public Affairs Consultant;

·          ·          Anne Heraty, CEO, CPL Group;

·          ·          Prof. Frank Gannon, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland;

·          ·          Margaret Sweeney, Chief Executive, Postbank;

·          ·          Dr. Constantin Gurdgiev, Director of Research, NCB Stockbrokers;

·          ·          Oliver Tattan, CEO, VIVAS Health; and

·          ·          Dr. John Teeling, Chairman, Cooley Distillery.

The National Business Forum brings together the best of Irish and international entrepreneurs, business and opinion leaders to offer their experiences and insights for which all business people can learn invaluable lessons on how business success can be achieved.

For further information, contact Jessica Dempsey, Press & Communications Officer, Chambers Ireland on 01-400 4303 or email jessica.dempsey@chambers.ie.