Inishowen firms join forces to form new Business Alliance
IBA to formally launch in Buncrana on Thursday, November 5, with local companies encouraged to attend
A new business-led initiative designed to connect, create and champion opportunities for businesses across the peninsula will be officially launched at a special event in Buncrana next month.
The Inishowen Business Alliance (IBA) will be unveiled at a special event in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, on Thursday, November 5, at 7pm, bringing together local business owners, entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
The Alliance has been developed by a group of local business leaders with support from Inishowen Development Partnership and seeks to create a stronger platform for networking, advocacy and business development throughout the region.
Local businessman and former Dragon's Den presenter Richard Curran will act as MC and guest speaker at the launch event, which will also feature a fireside-style discussion involving business representatives from a range of sectors and company sizes, from start-ups to established employers.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Andrew Ward, Joint CEO of IDP, said the Alliance represented an important opportunity for the area's business community.
“We are delighted to be involved in supporting local businesses during the initial stages of the Inishowen Business Alliance,” said Andrew.
“This initiative has emerged from a genuine desire within the business community to work more closely together and create a stronger voice for Inishowen.”
Maureen Cuddihy, Executive Director of Welditz in Carndonagh, believes the Alliance has the potential to become an important resource for businesses.
“Businesses in Inishowen face many of the same challenges, regardless of size or sector,” said Maureen. “The Alliance creates a valuable opportunity for owners and managers to connect, share ideas, identify opportunities and support one another.”
She added: “The more businesses that get involved, the stronger and more effective the organisation can become. I would encourage businesses across Inishowen to attend the launch event and see first-hand what the Alliance plans to achieve.”
For Shane Doherty, of Shane Doherty Architecture, one of the key benefits is the opportunity for smaller enterprises to engage directly with larger organisations.
“As a small business owner, the prospect of sitting around the same table as some of the region's larger employers is hugely positive,” said Shane.
“The Alliance creates a space where businesses of all sizes can contribute, learn from each other and work together towards common goals.”
The establishment of the Inishowen Business Alliance has been strongly supported by existing business networks across the peninsula, including Carndonagh Traders Association and Buncrana Businesses Together, whose members have helped shape the vision for the new organisation.
Andrew Ward praised the organisations, adding that they have demonstrated a “shared commitment to economic development” across the peninsula.
The tourism sector is also expected to play a significant role within the new organisation. John Farren, General Manager of Ballyliffin Golf Club, said a collective approach would help strengthen Inishowen's profile as a destination.
“Tourism businesses understand the value of partnership,” said John. “Visitors don't come to Inishowen for one attraction alone; they come for the complete experience.”
“By working together through an alliance such as this, businesses can help enhance Inishowen's reputation, attract investment and create benefits that extend well beyond the tourism sector,” added John.
Businesses from all sectors are invited to attend the launch event, learn more about the Alliance, and play a role in shaping its future direction.
Attendees will also be encouraged to sign up for membership and become founding members of the Alliance, helping to shape its priorities and future activities from the outset.
For more information see https://inishowen.ie or email [email protected]