Building Materials Companies in UK Market LinksTánaiste Outlines Opportunities for Growth

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment today (Wednesday 15th November, 2000) urged Irish building materials suppliers to forge stronger links with UK merchants, specifiers, house-builders and contractors.

Speaking at a Dinner organised by Enterprise Ireland at the Irish Embassy in London, the Tánaiste said that Britain is the principal overseas market for most Irish-owned building materials companies, with exports to UK estimated at over £300 million, an increase of 45% since 1996.

According to the Tánaiste Irish building materials companies have become significant players in the UK construction products market, supplying through national merchants such as Wolesely, Jewsons and Travis Perkins, regional merchants and directly to the contractors and house builders.

The Tánaiste said "The Irish companies attending the dinner exemplified a sector with world-class capabilities and a level of manufacturing standard certification second to none. Irish suppliers offer a competitive edge in terms of providing a flexible, customised service tailored to specific requirements as well as a real flair for building strong relationships with their customers".

"Ireland and Britain are now doing more business together than ever before in trade, investment and tourism. Two-way trade between Ireland and Britain is worth over £16 billion annually and continues to grow steadily", she added.