Market Watch Industry Bulletin – Aerospace & Aviation
Enterprise Ireland’s top tips for entering the Italian market
Italy is the third-largest economy in the Eurozone and the fifth largest market in Europe for Irish exports
If you are considering doing business in Italy, please be sure to explore our tips to enter the market below and also be sure to reach out to our team in Milan.
- Expect a longer timeline for market penetration in this region than in other European markets. Building a relationship with a potential customer can take time, and it’s a lot about trust. Once you’ve gained it, the Italian customer is very loyal.
- Being introduced by an Italian company or by an institution can facilitate initial contact.
- Costs for shipping goods to Italy are quite high, which can affect the final price of goods and therefore their competitiveness.
- Market research and competitor analysis are vital if you want to approach the Italian market. You may find out that the local competition is extremely strong.
- The perception of Ireland and Irish people is generally very positive, so build on it.
- Be aware that the level of bureaucracy you find in Italy can be difficult to understand and frustrating at times.
- If you intend to hire local staff, be aware of the fact that labour law is extremely rigid in Italy, definitely more rigid than in most European countries.
- Meeting in person is very important in Italy, contact by email or phone is not enough. If you have a distributor, make sure you visit him/her on a regular basis. Meetings can happen over lunch or dinner – the eating element is very important in Italian culture and involves more than a simple sandwich.
- Dress code during meetings is important. The first impression is made also on the basis of what you wear.
- Don’t assume that everybody speaks English in Italy. It is quite often not the case. Making the effort of saying a few words in Italian is always appreciated
- Be aware that the business culture in Italy is much more formal than in Ireland: don’t call people by their first name at the first meetings. Titles and hierarchy are important but the formal approach can vary according to the sector.
If you are considering doing business in Italy be sure to reach out to our team and read our Going Global Guide for more information.
If you would like to know what to prepare ahead of your first MA call, click the graphic below
National Women’s Enterprise Day 2020 a virtual, and real, success
Covid couldn’t stop Ireland’s most successful female entrepreneurs from stepping up to inspire more
National Women’s Enterprise Day 2020, organised by the Local Enterprise Offices, was like no other in that, because of Covid, for the first time in its 14-year history, it took place entirely online.
In all other ways, it was exactly the same – providing women with the inspiration, support and confidence to start and grow a business.
Sheelagh Daly, Entrepreneurship Manager at Enterprise Ireland, has been involved in this flagship event for women in business right from the start.
National Women’s Enterprise Day was an initiative set up by the Local Enterprise Offices in 2007, supported by Enterprise Ireland.
“Back then the landscape was quite different in that there was a dearth of female entrepreneurial role models. If you went back and looked at the newspapers, for example, there weren’t many women being profiled in a business or entrepreneurial setting,” says Daly.
Providing role models
“Research shows that role models are an important way to inspire women and give them the confidence to start a business. So we knew we needed to profile women who had done it successfully already. It was that whole concept of ‘to be it you have to see it’,” she says.
But a lack of role models wasn’t the only challenge.
“At the time there was also a real lack of access to business networks for women. While the Chambers of Commerce were, of course, important, they tended to be for more established businesses. More informal networks, such as rugby clubs and golf clubs, didn’t provide the same level of access to women.”
There was a need for “a mechanism to provide women with access to networks in order to inspire, demonstrate and build confidence in female entrepreneurship,” she says.
National Women’s Enterprise Day was just the mechanism.
Showcasing success – and support
“It was also a means to disseminate the huge range of supports available from lots of different government agencies, not just from Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland, but from Intreo, Failte Ireland and the Credit Review Office,” she explains.
“The idea was to bring all these things under one roof, on one day, with one big bang that would put female entrepreneurship on the map.”
It did just that. “The first event was held in Mullingar and was fantastic, and overbooked, so we carried on.”
Indeed, the event grew so much that in recent years the Local Enterprise Offices have run regional versions too, to enable even more women to attend.
All followed the same proven format of enabling participants to listen to successful women at different stages of their business journey, to gain an understanding of the supports available to them, and to have an opportunity for networking.
“Then, in 2020, we had Covid,” she says.
Covid can’t stop it
Having supported so many businesses to ‘pivot’ to online to cope with the pandemic, the network of Local Enterprise Offices were quick to do the same with National Women’s Enterprise Day. It took place on Wednesday 14th October, entirely remotely, and was a huge success.
“We saw an enormous attendance of 1641 people which was amazing and well reflected this year’s theme of ‘Stronger Together’,” says Daly.
Speakers included Olympian turned businesswoman Derval O’Rourke, who talked about the strength, discipline and resilience required to deliver peak performance in one sector before pivoting to another.
Sonia Deasy, founder of international beauty brand Mortar & Pestle, spoke about her journey taking a brand from “local to global”.
A series of ‘leading lights’ included successful female entrepreneurs across a range of sectors, from Clare Hughes of CF Pharma in Kilkenny to Mary Walsh of Ire-Wel Pallets in Wexford and Odilon Hunt of AVA Audio Visual in Sligo.
Exploring overseas markets
Sheelagh Daly hosted a panel discussion entitled “Exploring Overseas Markets”, featuring expert commentary from Anne Lanigan, Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Director Eurozone, and Marina Donohoe, Enterprise Ireland’s Director for UK and Northern Europe.
As well as exhorting female entrepreneurs to explore Eurozone markets, they pointed out that the UK will always be hugely important to Irish businesses too.
Marcella Rudden, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Cavan explained the questions to address when starting your export journey.
“She spoke about how to choose a market to target and how the Local Enterprise Office should be your first port of call because it has the supports to help you, both financial and otherwise,” says Daly.
One of the main threads running through the day was not to be afraid of exporting, she says. “The message was that it isn’t something that should be seen as intimidating and that there is help available.”
That help is not just from Local Enterprise Offices but from all sorts of sources, including networks for women in business in countries such as France and Spain, delegates heard.
“Before you commit to a market do the research, make sure that it’s the right market for you and that you can compete in it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” says Daly.
Information is crucial. Both men and women have similar business ambitions but research indicates that women take a more cautious approach, including in areas such as borrowing for business. They typically “prefer more information before they take a risk”, says Daly.
“The ambition is very much there but the approach is different.”
Women’s success is Ireland’s success
National Women’s Enterprise Day 2020 took place in a year which also saw the launch of Enterprise Ireland 2020 Action Plan for Women in Business. This important six-year strategy to support female entrepreneurship was launched in February, just before Covid.
“The reason such emphasis is being put on women is because we are still looking at a much higher proportion of men in leadership and entrepreneurship,” explains Daly.
This needs addressing because, both as an economy and a society, we “need the skills and talents of all our population to be realised,” she says.
We also need those businesses that are started to be the best they can. “All the research demonstrates that the greater the diversity the stronger, more profitable and faster-growing the business,” says Daly.
“That leads to wider economic benefits, so it’s a real economic imperative that everybody, regardless of gender or other diversities, does not face barriers when it comes to starting or growing a business.”
Watch the ‘National Women’s Enterprise Day Virtual Event’ sessions on-demand here
Industry Bulletin – Automotive – Impact of Covid-19 on automotive technologies
Jens Altmann, Market Advisor, Automotive Industry, Enterprise Ireland Germany interviewed Robert Metzger CEO and publisher at eMove360°, a trade fair and community platform for Mobility 4.0 – electric – connected – autonomous in Munich.
eMove360° Europe is already now world’s biggest B2B trade fair for electric mobility and connected & autonomous driving.
The video interview discusses the effects of the current Covid-19 situation on new technologies, forecasts on the industry and alternative ways of connecting with stakeholder in the market.
- Effects of Covid-19 on technological development in the automotive industry
- Influence on regulations and Electromobility and its related supply chain
- How to counteract current contact restrictions e.g. alternatives for physical trade shows
Market Watch Industry Bulletin – BPO & IT
See the webinar here.
Customer engagement is critical during the Covid-19 pandemic, as organisations across every industry look to connect, engage, reassure, and supply their customer base.
In this time of uncertainty and disruption, Irish BPO and IT companies have demonstrated impressive flexibility in providing their outsourced services to ensure international companies can overcome these engagement challenges from a remote setting and provide a positive customer experience.
Following Enterprise Ireland’s recent Industry Bulletin which looked at developments across the world affecting Irish BPO and IT Services companies, this edition of our Market Watch series focuses on the UK region and a key end-market for many Irish companies; the UK energy sector.
This webinar reflects on the
- Immediate impact of Covid-19 on the UK Energy sector
- Challenges for energy retailers and their customers
- Future opportunities in the sector for outsourced service providers to develop new and stronger partnerships with energy retailers in the UK.
See the webinar here.
Panellists:
David Corcoran, Senior Market Advisor, Enterprise Ireland UK
Peter Haigh, former Managing Director of Bristol Energy, CEO of ELEXON, and Director of Business Retail at E.ON.
Enterprise Ireland’s top tips for entering the Luxembourgish and Belgian markets
The Benelux markets comprise the countries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Although small in area, the region’s combined population of almost 30 million people presents three prosperous markets in their own right, and a huge opportunity to develop exports further into mainland Europe.
The Enterprise Ireland Belgium and Luxembourg team are here to help you prepare, launch and succeed in your export activities. We are eager to share the expertise and network gained from studying, working and living in the market. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of dedicated Market Advisors to help you with your export strategy.
Belgium market tips
Belgium truly is the heart of Europe and has proven itself to be a hub of international business and networking, a large market in its own right, and also a great test market for companies with the ambition to grow and scale in the wider European region.
- Navigating the languages. As a result of its history, Belgium is broken into 3 different regions: Flanders, Wallonia the Brussels-Capital. In turn, it has three official languages: Dutch, French and German, but most speak English. It is important to understand these differences, as the business culture is different per region.
- In terms of business culture, it’s best to play it safe, so arrive on time and dressed your best. Business culture in Flanders mirrors that of the German or Dutch working culture as Belgian-French business culture is similar to that of France. In general, the culture is kept formal and meetings are structured to maximise productivity.
- Belgium is a European leader in logistics and distributions; driven by its strategic location and strong cluster of ports, with the port of Antwerp being very noteworthy. With 95 % of Europe’s consumer market reachable within 24 hours.
- Decide on a route to market: Networks are important, and it is advantageous to sell to a distributor that will resell directly into Belgium, as you can explore new potential leads and clients.
- Get involved locally: Belgian companies are open to meeting with international sellers, and although not obligatory, a local representative is advised to facilitate a smoother entry strategy. We can recommend trusted pathfinders or sales consultants to help you along your way.
- Trust the Process: Belgium is a great test market for businesses looking to dive into the Eurozone. Most often than not, a successful launch in Belgium leads to success in other EU markets. Make sure to leverage the multi-cultural and skilled workforce, these new perspectives are sure to benefit your product or service.
- Understand that the tax system in Belgium is quite attractive SMEs, and they have seen a decrease in their corporate tax rate to 20% during 2018 for the first 100,000 of taxable income Better yet, these reforms helped reduce labour costs too.
- Be prepared and know your competition: This is a highly competitive and diverse landscape, with many international and national players. Make sure to fine-tune your USP so your product or service can really stand out from the rest.
- Be Innovative: Belgium is ranked 8th in the world on the 2018 European Innovation Scoreboard, making it more open to change and willing to embrace new technologies something Ireland happens to be very good at producing.
- Finally, do your research. Explore the different resources available from Enterprise Ireland to delve deep into the market and really understand the opportunities and challenges that will occur. Our world-class Market Research Centre provides countless market reports, and MA’s are happy to help with market-related requests.
For more be sure to read our Belgium Going Global Guide
Luxembourg market tips
Luxembourg may be one of the smallest EU countries, but has become world leader in finance and administration, hosting 3,900 investment funds and fostering new opportunities for SME’s.
- There are three national languages, which are Luxembourgish, French and German. However, English is widely used in business contexts and a translator will not always be necessary.
- Luxembourg is number 2 in the world in terms of global logistical capabilities and is strategically located in the heart of the greater region. Take advantage of this, and make sure not to rule it out as part of a European export strategy.
- Decide on a route to market: A sales consultant can be attractive in Luxembourg, as they assist with generating leads and gaining certifications. We can put you in touch with trusted agents who can help accelerate your business.
- Get involved locally: As a country heavily reliant on exports itself, Luxembourg is home to businesses which are open to being approached by international companies so take a pragmatic approach.
- Trust the Process: Luxembourg is a global destination, not just for the financial sector, but has also developed high-value industries such as logistics, biotechnology, information technology and green technology. These factors make it a good test market.
- Understand the tax incentives Luxembourg has put in place, aimed towards stimulating innovation and support SME’s.
- Be prepared and know your competition: Luxembourg is home to many multi-national and EU headquarters, as well as fostering a growing number of SME’s. The financial sector particularly is quite competitive, but there are plenty of opportunities in other sectors.
- Be innovative: With a Government that makes innovation in all industries a priority, make sure to showcase your dynamic new ideas, they will be welcomed and supported.
Finally, do your research! Explore the different resources available from Enterprise Ireland to delve deep into the market and really understand the opportunities and challenges that will arise. Our world-class Market Research Centre provides countless market reports, and MA’s are happy to help with market-related requests.
For more be sure to check out our Going Global Guide Luxembourg
If you would like to know what to prepare ahead of your first MA call, click the graphic below
How Exertis is using blockchain to transform global tech supply chains
The global supply chains for technology products like smartphones and laptop computers are now almost as complex as the products themselves.
A typical smartphone, for example, is made up of components and materials sourced from up to a dozen suppliers on multiple continents, which are shipped to a manufacturer for final assembly before being sent onwards to distributors, retailers and ultimately sold to consumers.
This presents two major problems for manufacturers and others involved in the chain – visibility and provenance. A new project led by Dublin-based Exertis Supply Chain Services, with funding from Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF), is aimed at solving both of them.
A subsidiary of DCC, Exertis Supply Chain Services is a leader in materials supply chain design and operation. “Our focus is on technology and we provide global supply chain capability for the Exertis group and clients across the globe,” says Brian Cassidy, Head of IT and Director responsible for data protection with the company. “We are also a centre of excellence within the group for the use of blockchain technology.”
The Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund is a €500 million fund run by Ireland’s Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, as part of the National Development Plan under Project Ireland 2040. It is administered by Enterprise Ireland, the trade and innovation agency. An example of the country’s strong focus on developing some of the world’s most innovative companies, the initiative funds collaborations between research facilities and ambitious companies to develop innovative technologies that change the world in which we live.
Exertis solves visibility problems in the supply chain
The objective of Exertis’s DTIF-supported project, which also involves Dublin-based technology company Sonalake and the CeADAR Technology Centre located at University College Dublin, is to develop a blockchain-based platform, which will transform the technology product supply chain.
“The two problems we are focusing on is the need for end-to-end visibility of products and components along the supply chain and the need to prove the authenticity of products once they reach the market,” says Cassidy.
“We are using the blockchain to provide a peer-to-peer platform for authenticating provenance and we are providing visibility across the supply chain where multiple partners and a high volume of products are involved.”
The current lack of visibility and difficulty with provenance result in a number of issues. “In terms of visibility, for any participant in the supply chain it is very difficult to know what is selling and what is not,” says Cassidy.
This lack of visibility leads to problems with availability. “Typically, the retailer might know what the distributor has in stock but won’t know what the manufacturer has. Visibility is very much limited to one point up or down in the chain. A manufacturer may not know how much product distributors or retailers have because they usually don’t share that information.”
Proving Authenticity
Provenance is another issue. “When the item does arrive at the retailer, proving its authenticity can be a really interesting challenge. If a fake product comes into a customer’s hands, a manufacturer wants to be able to see how it got there.”
Sharing information dynamically
The Exertis project is highly innovative in that it will provide an open platform for multiple users in multiple supply chains, with each participant being able to decide which other members of the chain they wish to share information with. Furthermore, it will allow them to share selected pieces of information with selected participants.
Once the data gets put on the blockchain it is immutable and cannot be deleted. “It is encrypted and decrypted at a granular level,” Cassidy adds. “A retailer might want to put a transaction on the platform but may not want competitors to know anything about it, whereas they do want the distributor and manufacturer to know. However, they may not be able to share with the manufacturer certain details such as the price they paid for it or what they sold it for. They can decrypt different parts of that dataset for different partners and their ERP system will be able to dynamically decide what information to share and who to share it with.”
Manufacturers will be able to see what is selling and how much product is in the channel in real time. This is important for planning manufacturing output, as well as for managing warranty liabilities. “Manufacturers will usually know how many units were sold, but don’t know exactly when. They need to know that for when the warranty starts. This platform will address that issue. It provides a place where all participants in the chain can contribute, but everyone controls their own data.”
Initial work on the project, began in 2018, with the DTIF-supported three-year project beginning in earnest in August 2019. “The DTIF funding has accelerated this project significantly and facilitated our collaboration with CeADAR and Sonalake. At Exertis, we have looked across our business and identified several exciting use cases, which we expect to roll out in several areas in the coming years”.
For more information and call dates for the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund visit the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation website.
Market Watch – Construction – Industry Bulletin no.2
Download the bulletin here.
As a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic, Enterprise Ireland construction companies are experiencing unprecedented market disruption both domestically and across international markets.
Following our last market bulletin at the end of March, this report for April provides a high-level sector update from the Enterprise Ireland network of overseas construction advisors on their markets. Already we are noticing the loosening of restrictions and the strategic prioritisation of the construction industry by many national Governments.
Market Watch Industry Bulletin – Aerospace & Aviation
Enterprise Ireland’s industry bulletin for the Aerospace & Aviation industry provides insights from Market Advisors across the world, on market developments in each region, exploring market conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic , developments, opportunities and supports.
Read the full report here.
Market Watch Industry Bulletin – Automotive – European Manufacturers Structures, Operations & Plans
Sean Long, Enterprise Ireland, Senior Market Advisor UK for Automotive interviewed Ian Henry of Auto Analysis on the changing landscape of European Vehicle Manufacturers.
The interview explores their
· current organizational structures
· plant operations
· purchasing contacts
· trade tariff considerations
· developments around new vehicle platforms.
The video interview took place on 10th March 2020, prior to Covid 19 restrictions.
Supporting great people in difficult times
Developing employee engagement now will pay dividends long into the future
Up until the pandemic, the biggest challenge facing many firms was attracting and retaining talent. That hasn’t changed, says Ryan Williams, CEO of Conscia, a training provider which specialises in employee engagement.
Conscia is the architect of a series of online modules designed to help companies maintain employee engagement throughout the Covid-19 crisis.
Each provides practical steps to take, plus easy to use templates and frameworks, to help companies maintain their employee value proposition (EVP).
Those that succeed in doing so will not only optimise productivity throughout this current, difficult time, but will be well placed to capture the opportunities of the post-pandemic surge.
Those that neglect employee engagement, however, risk damaging their reputation as an employer of choice long into the future. “It’s about asking yourself, how you want your company to be remembered after this pandemic,” says Williams.
Your EVP is an invaluable retention tool and should be robust enough to support employees in good times and in bad, he points out.
“The market for talent will be equally as competitive when we come out the other side of this as it was when we went in,” says Williams.
“Though some sectors will suffer more than others, the fact remains that if you needed a software developer before this, you will still need one after it, so it is important to get the best talent that is out there.”
The top priority for employers right now is communication.
By this stage new work practices will be established, either from home or, socially distanced, in the workplace.
“The novelty of the early stages has well and truly worn off, the buzz of setting up meetings on MS Teams and Zoom has ebbed, and people are starting to feel this will never end. The risk is that employers stop communicating when in fact it is vital to over-communicate now and throughout this process.”
Deliver your communications with confidence
In a period characterised by uncertainty and anxiety, it’s important to display “honest confidence” he says.
“Be honest and transparent and deliver your communications with confidence, even if it is bad news, such as, perhaps, having to take a pay cut to get through this. People can cope if they realise there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Empathetic leadership is essential. “You need to communicate your company’s vision and mission with empathy. It’s about understanding that your people are going through challenging times.”
Weekly ‘all hands’ meetings online are an opportunity to show that everybody is part of what is a communal effort.
“Be very honest about what you do and don’t know. The rumour mill can be difficult to manage so share the good, the bad and the ugly with honest confidence.”
Decision making in a time of crisis should be quick and decisive, with resources allocated speedily. Employee polls are a quick and effective tool for effecting change, offering maximum transparency and ‘buy in’.
Regular, scheduled and consistent communications help keep fear and anxiety at bay. Use video as much as possible. “People want to see their leaders.”
Be cognisant of the impact not just of your words, but of your tone and body language too. “Lean forward, be expressive, use your hands,” he says.
As well as large town hall type, and team meetings, make sure to set aside time for one to ones, to check in with people and see how they are doing.
Recognise and reward output. “Celebrate team wins and individual efforts more than in ordinary times. People are doing fantastic things right now so make time for shout outs in meetings and promote them on your social media too.”
Fostering ‘water cooler’ moments online helps to replicate the everyday interaction of the traditional workplace. “Don’t lose your social cohesion.”
Building trust and loyalty
At every step, focus on building trust and loyalty. “Very many companies have spent years building up their culture. Don’t lose it. Find new ways of maintaining it instead.”
Social distancing will likely continue for some time, as will working from home. “We are all living with uncertainty at present, so ‘What does this mean for me?’ is the key question people have. While you can’t control this, you can help by removing as much of the uncertainty for employees as possible.”
Provide purpose and stay positive
The current situation provides a great opportunity for learning and development. “This doesn’t have to cost you money,” he points out.
“It could be online learning opportunities, or a situation where an experienced member of staff helps train up others on a new software tool, such as cucumber. It could be a buddy system, where someone experienced is matched with someone who may be feeling overwhelmed.”
Spare capacity could be given over to executing planned projects that had previously been put off. “We have one client company, for example, who built an entire logistics platform in eight weeks, a project it had long wanted to do,” says Williams.
Such initiatives help provide purpose, an important component in employee engagement.
Set short term goals for long term results. “Focus on bite sized projects to help people navigate through.”
Finally, stay positive. “Remember, this is different from the financial crisis because it is the same for everybody. From Ireland to China to the US, the base line has lowered for everyone. So, while there is uncertainty, and a need to paint as honest a picture as possible, it’s also important to look to where the opportunities will be post-pandemic.”
To find out more about building employee engagement during the Covid-19 restrictions see here.
Market Watch Industry Bulletin – Consumer & Retail
Download the bulletin here
Enterprise Ireland consumer retail and retail technology companies are experiencing extraordinary market conditions, resulting in massive increase in e-commerce, declining sales in non- essential items as well as fractured supply chains.
While these are certainly unprecedented and challenging times, there remain significant opportunities for clients within the global consumer retail and retail technology market, which we hope to help you identify.
Read more in our Consumer and Retail Industry bulletin.
