Someone once suggested to start at the beginning, which is a good idea for the first post for a new blog. What is it that this blog is trying to do? In two words, the blog promotes “smart exporting.”

The longer explanation? Ireland and Northern Ireland create cutting-edge, world class products and services. Look at a copy of Silicon Republic or reports from Invest Northern Ireland. The United States is a natural market for these products and services, but suffers from a perception that the market is ‘risky’ or ‘difficult.’ Not so. With practical advance planning and understanding of potential risk points, the operational risk of exporting or expanding to the U.S. can be controlled and mitigated. We call that “smart exporting.” This blog will provide information so that Irish and Northern Irish companies can engage in “smart exporting.”

Increasing exports increases revenue and creates jobs.  Exporting can help create a broader-based economy that is more resilient to potential economic shocks. Each of the Irish and Northern Irish governments are stressing the importance of growing exports, and this blog will help.

Don’t hesitate to contact me to ask questions or suggest discussion topics.  This blog should be as interactive as possible.