IIBN brought 2011 to a close with a fantastic turnout at the Gore Hotel London on Wednesday December 7^th.   Over 100 people joined IIBN Board Members to reflect on what has been a very active and successful year.    We were also delighted to welcome so many new faces and look forward to you all becoming members in 2012.  Our aim is to continue to grow and offer real networking opportunities for Irish people in the UK and across the globe.

We are finalising an array of exciting and inspirational speaker events for 2012, along with various workshops and networking events so be sure to check the IIBN website in the New Year – www.iibn.com

We would also like to encourage all our members to actively use the IIBN LinkedIn group as a way to introduce yourselves to other IIBN members and to engage in real networking – whether virtual or face to face.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and successful New Year

Le gach dea ghui agus La Shona Nollaig dhuit

IIBN

The overall sentiment in Buzz Depot’s Social Media Report is extremely positive (at 64%). It has been estimated that IIBN reached 110,000 people over the duration of the conference. (Buzz Depot)

With over 180 participants from Ireland, UK and New York in Dublin on November 10th and 11th the feedback to the conference so far has been outstanding. The general feeling is that the pace, the buzz and the content were striking with quality speakers, and genuine opportunities to network and build business. 71% of survey respondents were very satisfied with the whole experience and 98% very satisfied to satisfied. (Survey Monkey).

‘What is great about the IIBN is that it is not just another talking shop about “how to fix the economy” etc. It is a doing shop of Irish entrepreneurs and business professionals who are committed to doing business with each other across, and within, borders. Alongside that, the conference offered inspiration from business leaders and real, hands-on, practical workshops from experienced professionals on how to structure a business for growth, and it then supports that with a network to sustain that growth. To be honest is a real global network that is creating real wealth and opportunity – that’s why I was there.’

The official launch of the conference was held on Thursday 10th November which was generously hosted by The Irish Times. Paul Kerley, Founder and former CEO of Norkom Technologies was the keynote speaker and each IIBN Chair gave a brief on why they are actively involved in the IIBN network.

Proceedings continued on Friday 11th November at the Aviva Stadium where Minister Coveney set the tone with a focus on engaging the Irish diaspora in a positive and practical way. Shane Ross was motivating, and certainly got people talking! Hugo McNeill, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs Ireland, moderated the panel event which focused on fostering Irish entrepreneurs globally generating a lively discussion that carried over into lunch. The afternoon session was kicked off by Niall Gibbons, CEO, Tourism Ireland and key sponsor of the conference, who reminded us of the importance of Ireland as a destination. Delegates were then invited to attend one of three interactive workshops on social media, networking and preparing your business for sale. The day concluded with a fascinating presentation from Barry Maloney, Partner, Balderton Capital who focused on the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit and how Ireland punches way above its weight in enterprise and business.

With fifteen 60 second pitches between Thursday and Friday the buzz was constant as new and seasoned entrepreneurs looked for exciting opportunities to do business together globally.
Added to this were the 28 stands in the Entrepreneur Zone which brought a cross section of business interests in contact with eachother from Ireland, the UK and America.

When asked if participants would like to attend a similar event in 2012 the response so far has been 100% Yes – so watch this space for an announcement for the date and location of the IIBN Global Conference 2012!

Here are a few of the comments from participants:

‘A genuine sense of shared purpose and willingness to forge new relationships. We knew why we were there and everyone was in a similar mood.’

‘The break out sessions and networking were great, the speakers inspiring.’

‘Quality Speakers – tightly focused and relevant presentations. Very positive/balanced outlook of presenters and attendees A capacity to look forward and build for the future without getting bogged down (like everyone else) in the financial issues. The two most enjoyable presentations from my perspective were Shane Ross and Barry Maloney.’

Photos to follow shortly.

IIBN 1st Global Annual Conference
‘DOING BUSINESS TOGETHER’
Thursday 10th & Friday 11th November, Dublin
www.iibn.com/conference. Book now at

http://iibnannualconference2011.eventbrite.com

IIBN Global Annual Conference Update

This inaugural conference, exhibition and workshop will bring Irish entrepreneurs and business professionals from all over the world to Dublin to do business together. The programme has been designed to foster a lasting network of Irish business leaders based both in Ireland and abroad providing a platform for domestic companies to grow their businesses overseas.

Overview of programme

Thursday 10th November, 2011- Sponsored by The Irish Times
When: 6.30pm – 8.30pm.
Where: The Irish Times, 24 Tara Street, Dublin 2
Keynote speaker: Joe Hogan, Founder & CTO, Openet
This Thursday night reception will set the scene for the conference on Friday while allowing time for networking with conference attendees and key business players from across Ireland, the UK and New York in a relaxed environment.

Friday 11th November, 2011 – Hosted by Aviva. Key sponsor Tourism Ireland
When: 9.00am-4.30pm.
Where: Aviva Stadium, Landsdowne Road, Dublin 4
Keynote speakers will include Simon Coveney, T.D Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine; Shane Ross, T.D and Business Editor, Sunday Independent; Niall Gibbons, CEO, Tourism Ireland and Barry Maloney, Partner, Balderton.

During the IIBN Global Annual Conference, you will:

• Meet successful Irish entrepreneurs from Dublin, London and New York.
• Have the opportunity to present your company to a global business network.
• Get advice on how to grow your business & expand internationally.
• Gain access to extensive network of business contacts in the UK and US.
• Get free membership to the IIBN for 6 months (New Members)

This is a unique opportunity for Irish entrepreneurs, businesses and companies to come and do business together. Book early to secure a place today.

Secure your place now at http://iibnannualconference2011.eventbrite.com

Early Bird Offer! Book now and take advantage of a limited early bird rate of €150 and secure your 60 second pitch and/or stand at the Entrepreneurs Zone (subject to availability).

To book go to http://iibnannualconference2011.eventbrite.com

www.iibn.com/conference

On Wednesday, 26th October, with the generous support of the Ambassador of Ireland, Mr Bobby McDonagh, IIBN prelaunched its Northern Ireland chapter at the Embassy of Ireland.

Over 80 invited delegates attended the breakfast reception and attendees ranged from existing IIBN members and business professionals and entrepreneurs who had travelled from Northern Ireland and Dublin.  Examples of the companies present included First Derivatives, Institute of Directors – Northern Ireland, Advantage NI, Arthur Cox, Turner News, RTE Belfast, Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Digital Derry and Deutsche Bank

The purpose of the reception was to highlight and notify attendees of IIBN’s plans to launch IIBN Northern Ireland in Belfast in Spring 2012 and to take the opportunity to introduce new friends and members to eachother and, where appropriate, to encourage and exploit potential business opportunities.

Speakers included:

The Ambassador of Ireland H.E Mr Bobby McDonagh

Conor Foley, Global Chairman, IIBN

Karena Vaughan, Karena Vaughan, Regional Director of Europe at Invest Northern Ireland.

Tom Holmes, Founder and CEO, creativebrief (www.creativebrief.com)

Conor explained that IIBN, which is a not for profit, global organisation, operates very much for the whole of Ireland and is rooted in business advancement and connectivity regardless of location.  With over 1000 members globally IIBN, with the support of its members in Northern Ireland and beyond, will be launching IIBN Northern Ireland in spring next year as the timing is right and IIBN has received a groundswell of support from government agencies including Invest NI, Derry County Council and numerous entrepreneurs and business professionals across all sectors within Northern Ireland.

Conor highlighted that Tom Holmes has been instrumental in helping IIBN develop its business links within Northern Ireland particularly in Belfast and Derry and looks forward to working with Tom and his team going forward.

IIBN will be in touch shortly with full information regarding IIBN Northern Ireland and the date of the official launch in Spring 2012.  The Board will be announced shortly and selection is currently being made.  If you would like to get involved with IIBN Northern Ireland contact info@iibn.com

Conor concluded with thanking the Ambassador, for his continued and ongoing support to IIBN.

Mike was introduced by Liz Shanahan, IIBN Board Member and Global Head of Healthcare and Life Sciences at FTI Consulting, you noted that Mike was born in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1965, but his family moved to England, where he grew up near Chelmsford, Essex. In the late 1980s Lynch formed Lynett Systems Ltd, producing designs and audio products for the music recording industry.

Mike Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Autonomy Corporation has been described by the Financial Times as “the doyen of European software” and generally considered one of Britain’s most successful technology entrepreneurs. Lynch was profiled by the Sunday Times with a favourable comparison to Bill Gates.

He is perhaps best known as the co-founder and CEO of Autonomy Corporation, a company he grew from a start up to be the UK’s largest software company. His entrepreneurship is associated with Silicon Fen. He is a leader in the area of computer understanding of unstructured information, an area which is becoming known as meaning-based computing. His Cambridge doctoral thesis is reported as one of the most widely read pieces of research at the Cambridge University library. He is considered a rare example of a European academic turned technology entrepreneur who has taken a start up through to being a global leader.

In 1991, he set up Neurodynamics, which specialized in neural network computing, as well as automatic number-plate, fingerprint and face recognition software. Then in 1996, Lynch co-founded Autonomy Corporation, the company he is most associated with.

Sir Ronald Cohen, founder of Apax, called Lynch his favourite entrepreneur in an interview in 2007. This may not be surprising as APAX claims to have made a £150m on its £1.8m investment. According to the Sunday Times Rich List 2009 he is worth around £235m.

Prior to Mike’s excellent presentation, three IIBN members were given the opportunity to present their companies, within three minutes, to attendees.  The three presenters were:

-  Hilda Herterich, Managing Director, Hilda Herterich Property

-  Gary Butler, CEO, 365 Reply

-  Hazel Hutchinson, Director, Aegis Corporate Strategy Limited

If you would like to connect with Hilda, Gary or Hazel please email info@iibn.com.

Click here to review photos taken during the evening

IIBN was delighted with its first Irish fashion showcase event which took place on Tuesday, 27th September in the City of London.

Over 180 delegates attended the fashion show which kicked off with an introduction from Stephen Quinn, Managing Director and publisher of Vogue.  Stephen introduced the event and touched on his hugely successful career at the forefront of British advertising.  Stephen has for the past 20 years been publisher of Vogue.

Designers on the night included:

Jen Kelly of Jen Kelly Designs:  Jen is an haute couture fashion designer, creating clothes by hand for female clients from Ireland and beyond.

Project 51:  Housed in a 19th Century Georgian building, Project 51 - Irish Design Collective – is a high end NYC Soho-style luxury boutique filled with the best of Irish fashion, jewellery, millinery, accessories and furniture.

The evening concluded with drinks and canapés and guests were able to view and buy many of the clothes and jewellery showcased during the evening.

This event was in partnership with Arthur Cox who are corporate members of IIBN.

Due to the popularity of this event it is hoped to take it on a road show next year which will cover all three IIBN chapters – Dublin, London and concluding in NY.

Bios and running order

Heather Finn (Project 51 Designer)

Heather Finn’s passion for colour and texture is immediately obvious in her vibrant signature looks.

A fashion graduate of NCAD, she has been experimenting for over six years with pattern – mixing traditional methods of crochet, hand knitting, felting and machine knitting to create her uniquely colourful knitwear collection. She finds inspiration in textiles and interiors as well as the works of Abstract colourists like Howard Hodgkins or Paul Gauguin. Her design approach is to focus on the emotional qualities of colour and yarn, carefully considering nuances of tone, hue, colour mix and balance in each garment. Heather Finn’s ambition is to give ‘joy’ to every person who wears a piece from her distinctive collection.

For more on Heather visit www.heatherfinn.com and www.facebook.com/heatherfinnknitwear

Sinéad Doyle (Project 51 Designer)

Sinéad studied fashion in Limerick School of Art and Design before undertaking an MA at London College of Fashion in Menswear. She has worked in Dublin, London and Venice specialising in tailoring and corsetry. Her garments are made in high quality wools, silks and cottons for the luxury daywear market. Sinéad’s work is frequently featured in the Irish and UK press and has been published as far afield as Japan in Vision magazine. Sinéad has won numerous awards for her work in both the UK and Ireland including the Ester Martin Award, the RTE/ Taispeantas Award in 2003, and most recently the Best Newcomer Award at KFW in 2011. In the UK she was feted as one of the top under 25 year old designers in Britain by Noisefestival in 2006.
For more on Sinéad visit www.sineaddoyle.com and www.facebook.com/sineaddoyledesign

Jen Kelly (Jen Kelly Designs)

Fashion Designer Jen Kelly has built a twin reputation as a fashion designer for private clients and as a costume designer for stage and broadcast performance. In both fields his talents are in demand at the highest levels.

Jen was born in Derry in 1960 and started his professional life designing for operas, television dramas and light entertainment shows for RTE in Dublin. He went on to work with RAI in Rome and FOX in Los Angeles. Jen graduated with First Class Honours from the National College of Art and Design in 1986. Three years later he established his fashion business in Molesworth Street in Dublin, where he designs for clients including Heads of State and stars of stage, screen and the music industry.  Jen has successfully shown fashion collections in New York City and has recently been selected to show in Japan.

At its height of popularity there were three different Riverdance companies on tour at any one time, the Lagan, the Liffey and the Lee, and Jen was in charge of all the costumes – which amounted to 400 per show per week!

Jen who is the only haute couture designer in Ireland has designed clothes for many leading women throughout Ireland and the world including the Princess of Saudi Arabia, Mary Robinson, Former Irish President, Celia Larkin, Boyzone, Naomi Campbell, Actress Roma Downey, Christy Turlington

Jen has designed amazing one-off bridal wear for many of Ireland’s most glamorous weddings. He feels the beauty and allure of couture is that it’s made for you and only you! Couture isn’t about high fashion or current trends. It’s deeper that that.  It’s timeless elegance, finding the perfect style that suits one individual.

For more on Jen visit www.jenkellydesign.com

Accessories:

Hats by Martha Lynn

Spending countless hours of her childhood in her mother’s studio in Roscommon, Martha discovered her love for art at an early age and went on to complete a degree in Fine Art, specialising in sculpture at the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.

Following her graduation, Martha worked as a 3D visual artist for a leading architectural and design company in Dublin but realised her passion for millinery after studying under renowned Milliner, Ms. Aileen Keogan, at the Grafton Academy in Dublin, a fantastic teacher and an inspiration.

In 2010, Martha spent some time in London undertaking internships with both Philip Treacy and Stephen Jones. During her time there she worked on hats for both Valentino and Galliano for AW2010 fashion week.

For more on Martha visit marthalynnmillinery.com

Gloves by Paula Rowan

Paula Rowan was already one of Ireland’s leading stockists of luxury leather goods when she turned her attention to design.  For almost two decades she has devoted her career to the finer things in life, and nowhere is this better evidenced than at her stylish leather boutique in Central Dublin. And it was Paula’s knowledge of fine leather, coupled with her background in design, that led her to ask herself that inevitable question – “why not design my own range of leather gloves?”

Paula’s approach is simple – use only the finest materials, and apply only traditional glovemaking techniques. Yet her commitment to quality is total and her attention to detail is painstaking. Every choice of hide, lining and colour has been carefully considered, and every nuance of stitching and detail has been selected by a master of design. The results are there to see for anybody with an eye for fine leather. But it is only by wearing the gloves that people will truly experience the art of quality glovemaking.

For more information on Paula visit www.glovesbypaularowan.ie

Footwear from Fitzpatricks

Since the store first opened its doors in 1926, Fitzpatrick’s has always prided itself on a reputation for excellence and offering the finest-quality merchandise. Fitzpatricks Footwear ltd is a family business, which is probably one of the principal reasons why the traditions laid down at its foundation, over 80 years ago, are still vigorously maintained. As each year goes on, Fitzpatricks continues to grow, adapt, reassess and re-invent itself.

1926: In October of 1926 Mr Thomas Fitzpatrick and his wife Ellen opened the doors of their first shop under the Henry Street wing of the new GPO building making it one of the first shops to open there after the 1916 rising.

1933: Mr Fitzpatrick decided to extend his business, and premises were acquired at No14 South Great Georges Street and so the second shop was born. In 1950 Tom’s son Sean joined the business and in 1951 he took over as manager of the Georges street store.

1943: O’Connell Street was now a busy shopping street and was the third location in which Tom decided to open another shop. By this time each of Tom’s sons were in charge of a particular branch, all three of them being keenly interested in footwear. Tom’s son Michael took over as manager of O’Connell Street but later transferred as manager to Henry Street.

1948: Fitzpatricks Shoes becomes a limited company and Tom’s son now takes over as director.

1956: A second adjoining building is bought on South Georges Street. The shop now doubles in size.

1961: On Wednesday 1st November 1961 Fitzpatricks opens its 10,0000 sqft flagship store in Ireland’s premier retail location Grafton Street.

1978: The business was split into three companies with each of Tom’s sons gaining control of their own stores. Michael ended up taking charge of the Grafton Street store and his son Declan was appointed Buyer having started in the business in 1973. He was later joined by his brother Paul after he had qualified as an accountant.

2005: Fitzpatricks opens in the award winning Dundrum Town Centre, combining a stylish shop fit with high end luxury brands and our own Fitzpatricks Shoes brand. This store is a huge success with the younger set who enjoy shopping for the latest addition to their shoe collections.

2008: Fitzpatricks opens in the new CHQ Centre in the Docklands, Irelands newest and trendiest centre in the heart of Dublin. Built in 1820 as a wine and tobacco warehouse it has been restored by the Dublin Docklands authority. In keeping with the Fitzpatricks image the store carries the full range of designer shoes as well as their own label Fitzpatricks Shoes and Irelands first UGG shop in shop concept. The present Fitzpatricks is now a fourth generation family business which prides itself on its heritage and customer service. We look forward to the next 80 years serving you.

2011: Fitzpatricks begin trading online as part of their expansion plans

For more information on Fitzpatricks visit www.fitzpatricksshoes.com.

Bags from Anna Vahey (Ana Faye Bags)

Anna studied fashion at Limerick School of Art and Design before undertaking an MA at Central St. Martins in London. After working as a fashion and accessories designer for several years in London, Italy and China, Anna Vahey’s passion for handbags and love of Ireland led her back home to start designing and making her own collection.

This collection of must have handbags are made in Anna’s workshop in Strandhill in the Sligo.
Ana has won several award at Showcase Ireland and most recently was a finalist at the Golden Egg Fashion Awards

For more on Anna visit www.anafaye.com

Click here to review photos taken on the night

On 7th July, IIBN London held its annual sell out BBQ at the Rotunda restaurant and bar. The Rotunda is a fabulous restaurant and bar and owned by an IIBN Member.

Members and none members enjoyed delicious food and great company before heading off on their summer breaks.

Click on the photo to review a selection of photos taken on the night.

IDA Ireland is the government agency responsible for attracting FDI, and is focused on attracting leading-edge investment from the Life Sciences, Financial Services, Digital and Technology sectors. Companies from these sectors invest in Ireland due to its unique combination of the 4 Ts – Talent, Track Record, Technology and Tax. Ireland today has a significant technology economy comprised of dynamic Irish companies and the world’s largest technology companies all focused on innovation and creating the future. Ireland is already the European data centre location of choice for world leaders including Microsoft, Google, IBM, Yahoo, EMC and Adobe. Ireland is also the Internet Capital of Europe, home to the world’s largest ‘born on the web’ companies such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon and eBay

Cloud computing is the future of technology. Several recent announcements highlight Ireland’s commitment to this and strengthen Ireland’s advancement as a Global Centre of Excellence for Cloud Computing. In April 2011, HP announced an expansion at its Cloud Services Centre in Galway. On 12th May 2011, the Irish Government announced it will establish an applied research centre in cloud computing, reaffirming its commitment to establishing Ireland as a world leader in this space. The new applied research centre will connect companies in Ireland with researchers and positions Ireland to take the lead in this crucial high growth area. On 31st May 2011, EMC announced the creation of a dedicated Masters and Undergraduate Degree programmes in Cloud Computing in conjunction with Cork Institute of Technology. On 7th June 2011, An Taoiseach announced that Dublin will be home to Dell’s first Cloud R&D Centre, while Limerick will host the company’s first Dell Solution Centre.

If you would like to know more, please contact IDA Ireland in London on +44 20 7379 9728 / www.idaireland.com

Outsourcing is now a maturing element to any business model and Gerry guided participants through some of the lessons learned about when to and when not to outsource. The workshop also touched on offshoring which has its merits and discussion focused on whether this type of remote solution can work for every business. Material from this workshop is available to IIBN members only.

This in-depth and practical workshop was hosted by Wingrave Yeats who are an IIBN sponsor.