News -
Waterford signs first recruit for Ireland-Wales cross border project

A new and exciting project specifically designed to assist owners /managers of small and medium enterprises in South East Ireland and West Wales to come together to maximise their creativity, innovation, and competitiveness, signed up its first recruit from Waterford this week.

The Sustainable Learning Network Ireland and Wales (SLNIW) project is a joint project between Waterford Institute of Technology and Aberystwyth University Wales who are in the process of establishing 6 learning networks (3 in Ireland and 3 in Wales).

The objective of these self directed learning networks is to bring business owners in contact with likeminded people who are prepared to work together in an open and constructive manner, using members' personal skills, knowledge and experience to advance the development of all enterprises in the network. There is also an amount of funding available to help finance training requirements identified by the networks.

Dr. Bill O'Gorman, Irish Director, SLNIW, said: "Network participants will not only have contact with 45 enterprises in South East Ireland but will also have contact with 60 enterprises in West Wales offering immediate business contacts in both regions. It is anticipated due to the international nature of this project that businesses who would not normally consider export will use this opportunity to gain access into the Welsh market"

Mr Ciaran Cullen, Assistant CEO, Waterford City Enterprise Board and one of the local support agencies actively backing this project, noted: "In the current economic climate, entrepreneurs ability to work together is essential and the SLNIW project offers Waterford City Enterprise Board's clients the opportunity to learn how to network and to develop business contacts throughout the South East of Ireland and the West of Wales. We are delighted to be part of this project with Waterford Institute of Technology and Aberystwyth University."

Mr Dennis Hegarty of WSI Success Online, a Tramore based company specialising in Internet marketing and the first official member from the Waterford region to become a member of SLNIW networks, said "Networking has been the key to establishing and growing my internet marketing business and has led to many opportunities and new contact business over the years. When I heard about SLNIW which provides opportunities for established businesses to network and help each other further expand their businesses, I realised it was an ideal network for me as I know I have lots of experience, expertise and contacts which I can share with the other members. And I will also benefit from their ideas and experiences in return. It also has the added benefit of reaching out to the whole of the South East of Ireland and West Wales".

The SLNIW is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales programme 2007-2013 (INTERREG 4A).

Applications for the programme are being accepted at present; further information is available at www.slniw.com or by calling Martha Phelan on 051-845 681