IIBN - International Irish Business Network

On Tuesday 22nd September, IIBN welcomed Mark FitzGerald, CEO of Sherry FitzGerald to address its members in London at the offices of K&L Gates in the City of London. Over 150 members were in attendance and FitzGerald was joined by Marian Finnegan, Chief Economist and Laura Reddy, Customer Insight Manager, both from Sherry FitzGerald.

One of the most highly regarded commentators in the property industry today Mark, the son of former Taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald, joined FitzGerald & Partners in 1975 and as a result of a merger between Sherry & Son in 1982 he was, at just 25, appointed Chief Executive of the newly formed Sherry FitzGerald. He has lead the company ever since. Sherry FitzGerald Group is now Ireland’s largest firm of property advisers, comprising nine individual companies and a family of seven brands.

The broad conclusion made by the FitzGerald team was that there are some signs that consumer / business confidence in the market place has stabilised and that ‘pessimism has peaked’. It was argued that current sentiment figures and research suggests that consumers are becoming acclimatised and resigned but that a lot depends on what happens over the next few months namely re NAMA, Lisbon and the Budget. While unemployment remains a critical issue research would suggest that those who remain in work will start spending again and that there are buyers out there.

The formal part of the evening concluded with questions and answers from the floor, after which Mark and his team joined IIBN Members for informal drinks and canapés, generously provided by K&L Gates.