'Opening doors to the vast opportunities available': Northern Ireland businesses urged to tap into record £14.6 billion cross-border trade market
Free events in Belfast to help SMEs navigate the evolving trade landscape, identify new opportunities and build connections for growth
Northern Ireland SMEs are being urged to explore opportunities in the growing cross-border market as trade across the island reaches a record £14.6 billion (€17.24 billion).
InterTradeIreland will bring businesses together in Belfast this autumn as part of Trade Connects 2026, with a free half-day event taking place at the ICC Belfast on Wednesday, October 21.
A second event will be held at The Alex Hotel in Dublin on Thursday, October 8, offering businesses across both jurisdictions practical insights, expert advice and networking opportunities to help them make the most of the all-island market.
Trade Connects is aimed at businesses considering cross-border trade for the first time, as well as those already trading across the border and looking to expand.
The events will explore the evolving trade landscape and the opportunities available to SMEs, with expert panels examining cross-border trade and market expansion alongside specialist masterclasses focused on exporting and growing across the island.
Speaking about the launch of Trade Connects 2026, Margaret Hearty, chief executive, InterTradeIreland said: “For many SMEs, taking the next step into cross-border trade can raise practical questions, from understanding the market and navigating regulations to finding the right partners and supports.
"Trade Connects 2026 is designed to help businesses overcome those barriers through practical advice, expert insights and opportunities to connect with people who can help them move forward, opening doors to the vast opportunities available.”
Hosted by award-winning entrepreneur and broadcaster Áine Kerr, each event will feature expert panels exploring cross-border trade and market expansion, alongside specialist masterclasses covering exporting and cross-border growth. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with exhibitors and experts to discover the supports, resources and funding available to help their businesses grow.
Trade Connects 2026 will also explore wider trends shaping the future of business, including the impact of AI and digital technologies on productivity, operations and growth. Suzanne Hill, global business consultant and founder of AI for SMEs, who will be delivering the Masterclass in AI for SMEs, added: “Each of the Trade Connects events is a fantastic resource for SMEs to avail of solutions-focused advice from experts. Looking to the future, AI is giving SMEs the chance to work smarter by automating everyday tasks, improving decision‑making, and uncovering insights that were previously inaccessible. At Trade Connects, we will outline how SMEs across the island can avail of opportunities where AI can streamline operations, elevate customer experience, and open new avenues for innovation that keep them competitive.”
Ahead of the events, a dedicated online networking platform will give attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow participants, arrange one-to-one meetings and build personalised agendas.
The events form part of InterTradeIreland’s wider ambition to continue driving all-island trade and enterprise growth. InterTradeIreland has directly supported more than 65,000 businesses across the island, with its support contributing to more than £1.9 billion (€2.2 billion) in business development.