By Business & Finance 
Joanna Murphy, CEO, ConnectIreland
ConnectIreland, the agency responsible for attracting small businesses to Ireland, has written to its 75,000 ‘connectors’ around the globe post-Brexit, asking them to reassure would-be investors that Ireland’s economy remains strong.
ConnectIreland CEO Joanna Murphy has penned a personal letter, urging connectors in the UK in particular to highlight Ireland’s stable economy as an alternative hub for nervous FDI companies contemplating leaving Britain post referendum.
It read: ‘We must continue to work with our neighbours in Britain to keep industry and employment in this part of the world and, while standing by our largest trading partner for generations, the onus is on each and every one of us to ensure that companies fearing a Brexit fall-out are reassured about our strong and certain future.’
It continued: ‘Post-Brexit we have received a sizeable increase in interest from companies looking to Ireland as a potential new location on the back of the referendum result. That number is likely to swell significantly over the summer months and beyond.’
ConnectIreland began just over four years ago, at a time of deep economic uncertainty and mass emigration in Ireland and to date, has secured 71 new inward investments into Ireland with thousands of jobs being created as a result
The initiative’s connectors have never had a more important role. “
‘In the coming weeks and months there will likely be very many companies wishing to obtain, remain or begin a business in Europe. Now is the time for reassurance. You can help your friends in businesses abroad by reminding them that Ireland welcomes them and that ConnectIreland will help them in every way possible to make their experience a positive one,’ wrote Murphy.
‘Ireland continues to play a vital part in trade between Europe and the rest of the world and with your help, all of us can win new jobs for Ireland and ensure companies nervous about the future don’t venture far when choosing a new base,’ she concluded.
