Diaspora Project and Tradebridge Mayo County Council has embarked on the Diaspora project to engage with the wider Mayos by providing network links to what is current in the county.Tradebridge seeks to engage with the same audience to develop a more commercial, export platform, for local small business. BackgroundWith the current economic downturn, the onus is on the commercial market to pursue avenues which will facilitate and capitalize on growth opportunities.

 

Simple economics has equipped us with the knowledge that an effective growth strategy lies within exporting. Tradebridge will act as a vehicle to enable export activities. Tradebrige is a novel yet simple concept – Leveraging contacts within the global community it is endeavoring to create a fundamental link for the growth and prosperity of Mayo’s growing indigenous businesses. {mospagebreak}

The conventional export emphasis was to support the larger manufacturing operations. In contrast to this, Tradebridge will focus on those smaller or Micro operations whether they be existing or start ups with export potential. The micro business arena is often an area which is overlooked however their offerings and indeed their agility to adapt and react to both local and international market changes and demands ensures there are a prime candidate (with relevant support) for export markets. StructureTradebridge’s business model will be reflective of a communal hub – where multiple users may utilize and access the means for exporting i.e. a dedicated and managed, communal, ecommerce site. Tradebridge will provide:

• A dedicated ecommerce site
• Basic IT training
• Promotional support, trade events in the UK
• Business development and links to GMIT, Innovation Centre, County Development Board and County Enterprise Board    

 Objective(s) The vision of Tradebridge is clear and succinct - to provision of economic development for the Mayo region through the wider Diaspora. By-products/objectives of the economic development would include: 

• The provision of an export market for Micro and Small, Mayo based operations in manufacturing and services sector
• Wider market potential for start up businesses
• The provision of basic training in IT, Product Development, Marketing
• Championing best practice in Tradebridge operations and that of it’s participants.
• Sustaining and creating employment. 

 DiscussionConventional development programmes are no longer sufficient to combat market challenges. Tradebridge represents the innovation that is necessary for Mayo Businesses to engage in that modern environment. Aside from a small number of large corporates, the Mayo commercial landscape is dominated by Micro businesses (typically, 1-9 employees). Ironically it is sector that is most vulnerable and yet offers the most potential. Unlike its EU peers, the general Micro sector lacks both recognition and support. High Potential Start Ups (HPSU) have some mechanisms in place, with little support for more general activities. Tradebridge will drive a Pro-Business image encouraging more business start ups – it will provide them with the necessary support and expertise for their export growth aspirations.  Furthermore, the traditional cost implications of extending market reach will be lower as communal sharing of resources will share out the costs. Tradebridge will introduce Best Practice supports in training, IT, product development, e commerce and customer service. The project will link with existing support organizations to ensure the widest range of supports. Much of the early groundwork is already underway, contacts have already being made with pilot supplier panels. Support arrangements are already in place with Chambers of Commerce, GMIT, County Enterprise Boards and the Innovation Centre. Combining the expertise of both Tradebridge and the wider support network will act to re-inforce an effective network platform for local businesses.  Finally, the recent upshift in online business has yet to be capitalized on by local enterprises whether it be a form of marketing myopia or indeed a non-accptance of the challenge. Furthermore, there are also a number of operations with export potential but would lack the resources to engage.Tradebridge will provide collegiate support to optimize this operational area. Participating companies can avail of an ecommerce site where Trade bridge can handle order processing, logistics etc.At the heart of Tradebridge’s offering is a desire to reposition Mayo’s economic development – through innovative e-enabled solutions, reduced costs and re-engaging with our global counterparts. The Mayo diaspora could potentially provide a strong leveraging asset for locals businesses in the international context and bring economic prosperity to Mayo.