Business partnership meeting concept. Image businessmans handshake. Successful businessmen handshaking after good deal. Group support concept.

West Lothian Chamber of Commerce were delighted to host their first trade mission to Dublin, in partnership with Scottish Development International (SDI). The trade mission took place from 24th-26th April 2018 and welcomed delegates from across Scotland, who were all interested in the future prospect of doing business in Ireland. A new partnership between City West Hotel and West Lothian Chamber of Commerce allowed delegates to be hosted within this fabulous venue.

The businesses attended a welcome drinks reception within the impressive Mezzanine of the City West Hotel, who were our hosts and sponsors for the evening. Businesses then attended the Market Briefing morning session which welcomed key speakers from South Dublin Chamber; South Dublin County Council; Scottish Government; Irish Academy of Public Relations and West Lothian Chamber of Commerce. Following on from the Market Briefing, delegates attended one-to-one meetings which were organised in advance of the visit. To round off this highly successful trade mission, guests were welcomed to a Networking Reception within the British Ambassador to Ireland’s Residence. Delegates enjoyed a welcome speech from Robin Barnett, British Ambassador to Ireland and John Webster, Head of the Scottish Government Innovation and Investment Hub in Ireland, who spoke of the encouraging relationship which is developing between Scotland and Ireland. This was a fantastic event which allowed for new business connections to be made, relationships to be built and ambition to be raised on the opportunities available for doing business in Ireland.

With a total of 12 businesses in attendance of the trade mission and an impressive 120 attendees at the British Ambassador to Ireland’s Networking Reception, the trip proved a huge success for all businesses involved.  

One of our members, ESL Services, who attended the trade mission stated: ‘We recently attended an event with WLCC and South Dublin Chamber where we made contact with a company based in ROI who are negotiating with us to collaborate in them carrying out Sales in both ROI and NI.’  

By supporting and developing new connections, as well as building an understanding of the support available when looking to do business in Ireland, this trade mission has provided various success stories for our delegates and West Lothian Chamber of Commerce look forward to hosting more trade missions, in partnership with Scottish Development International (SDI), in the future. 

Future International Plans 

With such a successful visit, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce’s plans for the future are to continue to develop their international service to support all Scottish businesses in exporting through offering events, developing partnerships and hosting trade missions. By signing our MOU with South Dublin Chamber, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce are committed to developing more connections with the Irish market in the future.  

Linda Scott, CEO, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce commented that:  

“From feedback, delegates were very positive about the trip and found it ‘innovative’ and ‘encouraging’ for their businesses. With such a successful outcome, it proves that working in collaboration can be highly beneficial and we look forward to further partnership work to continue to strengthen the Scottish-Irish business link.” 

If you would like to get involved with the international services offered by West Lothian Chamber of Commerce or would like to find out more about future planned trade missions available to Scottish businesses, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:  

E-mail: amy.connell@wlchamber.com

Tel: 01506 414808