Luxcel Biosciences along with seven other Cork companies have been recognised as InterTradeIreland Business Ambassadors for the region at a special event held with Minister Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on Wednesday 1st June in Dublin. Over 80 TDs and Senators were also in attendance at the event which recognised SMEs that have excelled through North-South trade and innovation.

Luxcel Biosciences and Exigent Networks from Little Island, Plate Tek from Charleville, Ballinadee Engineering from Bandon, Glenilen Farm from Drimoleague and Radisens Diagnostics from Bishopstown were recognised as business ambassadors from the county. Also nominated as ambassadors for Cork were Glantreo and the SCFI Group.

Mr. Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation commented, “Government does not create jobs, people and businesses do; and the role of government is to create an environment in which those businesses can prosper. I am determined to do everything I can to reduce costs, improve access to finance and encourage innovation so that good businesses can expand and create the jobs that our economy and society so badly need. If there is one thing Ireland - north and south - does not lack it is enterprising, creative, hardworking people, and I look forward to working with them to discuss what government and small business together can do to get people back to work”.

Over 65 companies from across Ireland attended the event with government representatives, including Ministers of State, TDs and Senators. Local representatives in attendance on the day included Minister of State David Stanton TD, Tom Barry TD, Dan Sherlock TD, Aine Collins TD, Jerry Buttimer TD, John Daly TD and Noel Harrington TD, David Staunton TD and Senator John Gilroy.

The group of InterTradeIreland Business Ambassadors were also invited to meet President Mary McAleese at an exclusive reception at Áras an Uachtaráin to make their achievements, where she described the companies as ‘Champions of the future and leaders of change.’

Also speaking at the event, InterTradeIreland Chairman Dr David Dobbin said: “We have supported companies right across Ireland, in every county and constituency and we are extremely proud of the examples of enterprise and innovation that are represented by our group of InterTradeIreland Business Ambassadors. We hope that through highlighting the achievements of successful local SMEs, we will inspire other businesses from throughout Cork to take advantage of cross-border trade and collaboration opportunities.”

Since 2003, InterTradeIreland’s has helped more than 16,500 companies with cross-border information and services and supported over 2,000 SMEs through its trade and innovation programmes. As a result, in excess of €610 million worth of business value been generated including that from current projects still to complete. In addition, over 930 jobs have been created or sustained through its programmes. For every €1 invested in InterTradeIreland, it provides a ten-fold return in business development value.