LOCAL businesses were encouraged to consider trade links between Ireland and Germany at a recent Shannon Chamber seminar.
Held at Ei Electronics Centre of Excellence in Shannon, Chamber members were briefed on the potential that Germany offers by members of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry, and by Mick Guinee, chairman and CEO of Ei Electronics.
Ei Electronics CEO Mick Guinee told attendees that he first entered the German market in 1996 and is now generating sales in the order of €100million in the local market.
“Focus on quality, service, and punctuality, appreciate the cultural and regional differences, have a direct presence in the market, participate in industry associations and trade shows, focus on communicating with customers, stick with the basics, but most of all, be prepared for unrelenting hard work,” Mr Guinee advised.
David Parkmann, head of DEInternational, market entry and sales of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said that Germany is the heart of European excellence due to it being Europe’s largest economy with a strong focus on innovative future technologies.
“Analyse potential market access and market potential, develop sound arguments for market entry, know your unique selling proposition for the German market and, once you have done this assessment, identity the decision makers on a prepared list of potential partners, and initiate meetings,” Mr Parkmann said.
