Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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251. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress of the get export ready programme operated by the potential exporters division of Enterprise Ireland; the number of companies in 2013 that participated; the numbers to date in 2014; if there is a breakdown of participants on a regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15418/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Potential Exporters Division of Enterprise Ireland holds “Export Awareness Events” and “Exploring Exporting Workshops” across the regions for new and early exporters to develop the tools and techniques needed to succeed in export markets. Enterprise Ireland is committed to helping companies strengthen their export readiness and export selling capabilities. The Agency offers customised training and access to experts, matched to a company's level of export awareness in order to save time and money and increase their chances of export success.

Enterprise Ireland organises “Export Awareness Events” regularly in a number of locations around Ireland. Theseshort (typically two-hour duration) workshops are aimed at companies thinking of exporting for the first time. In 2013, “Export Awareness Events” were held across the regions with 362 companies / 412 individuals participating in the events. Table 1 below identifies the regional areas involved together with thenumber of companies and individuals who participated. Table 2 below provides details in respect of 2014 (year to date) where Export Awareness Events were held in Cork and Sligo with 49 companies/64 individuals participating in the events.

“Exploring Exporting Workshops” is a series of workshops, focused on helping first-time exporting companies become export ready. Topics include: conducting market research, defining the export value-proposition, processes for exporting and, the exportable offer. Business mentors are available to work with client companies to identify the issues they need to address to become export ready.

In 2013, “Exploring Exporting Workshops” were held across the regions with 129 companies/172 individuals participating in the workshops. Table 3 below outlines the regional areas involved together with the number of companies and individuals who participated. To date in 2014, one “Exploring Exporting Workshop” was held in Cork with 15 companies/20 individuals participating. A further 8 Workshops will take place throughout the year.

Enterprise Ireland is also involved in “Meet the UK Market Team” initiative. This is an opportunity for those companies that have made progress in developing their export market capability to meet face-to-face with the EI UK market team to gain insights into market specific opportunities and challenges relating to their business. Three workshops with the UK market team will be held in 2014 in Cork, Dublin and Galway.

Table 1 - Export Awareness Events 2013

Table 2 - Export Awareness Events 2014 (year to date)

Table 3 - Exploring Exporting Workshops 2013