Five innovative Galway-based companies, BeoBio, Heptagon Houses, IOT DigitalData, Megafab, and Red Belt, were among 20 innovative businesses from across Ireland that took part in InterTradeIreland’s two-day Cross-Border Trade Mission to Northern Ireland.
Running from November 25 – 27, the Trade Mission formed part of InterTradeIreland’s ‘Trade Missions @Home’ initiative – a programme designed to help businesses fast-track export opportunities and accelerate sales growth in the cross-border market.
Over the two days, the participating companies took part in pre-arranged sales meetings and networking sessions with potential buyers and partners in Northern Ireland, supported by InterTradeIreland’s trade experts.
Red Belt is a family run business which manufactures and repairs conveyors and agri belts for industrial and agricultural clients.
Declan Hamilton, Managing Director of Red Belt said, “We’ve been working in Northern Ireland for years with the quarry and industrial side of things, so this trade mission was the obvious next step for us.”
“We want to build on that and bring our agri belts and services to farmers and agri-machinery businesses across the whole island.”
Born out of a strong farming heritage and decades of manufacturing experience, Megafab designs practical, durable plastic products that help make everyday farm work simpler and more efficient.
Michael Egan, Managing Director of Megafab, said, “The Trade Mission gave us exposure to new markets and customers. It helped us get an understanding of problems farmers have in Northern Ireland, which may lead to a new product idea.”
Also participating in the mission were Heptagon Houses, a family-run business producing sustainable timber-framed greenhouses and outdoor structures, BeoBio Teoranta, a group of seaweed farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs developing agricultural products from hand harvested seaweed, and IOT DigitalData, which develops smart monitoring and software solutions that help farmers and food producers improve efficiency through real-time data.
Anne-Marie McAteer, Trade Manager at InterTradeIreland, said, “The Agri-Tech and Manufacturing sectors are vital for the all-island economy, with innovation and sustainability at their core.”
“Our ‘Trade Missions @Home’ initiative is designed to give businesses the platform, contacts and confidence to take their next steps into new markets. Cross-border trade and collaboration continues to be one of the most effective ways to scale and sustain growth.”
The ‘Trade Missions @Home’ initiative helps businesses build cross-border connections, access specialist mentoring and create new sales opportunities.
Galway’s participation reflects the innovation, expertise, and entrepreneurial drive powering the West’s Agri-Tech and Manufacturing sectors.
This Trade Mission was part of InterTradeIreland’s ongoing commitment to helping businesses across the island grow through cross-border trade, innovation, and collaboration.
InterTradeIreland has supported over 60,000 businesses and contributed to over €1.95bn in business development value to date.
