Ulster Bank Supports Nothern Ireland - Netherlands Trade & Export Society

28th April: Ulster Bank will support the 2011 efforts of the Northern Ireland - Netherlands Trade and Export Society (NI-NL), a not for profit foundation, which promotes business relations between Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.

Established in 2006, the formation of NI-NL coincides with an active approach from the Northern Ireland and Dutch Governments to facilitate trade missions and ministerial visits between the two countries. Now in its fifth year of development, NI-NL can say that Northern Ireland is the most active UK business region in its approach to the Netherlands.

Kevin Craig, Director of Corporate Banking at UIster Bank, supports the strengthening of relationships with new and existing markets. “We are always keen to support international trade relations and the Netherlands offers many local businesses a thriving export and customer market in many sectors,“ said Kevin, “We look forward to working with NI-NL during the year and to developing a better understanding of their marketplace and the exposure the relationship provides.”

Steve Murnaghan, founder of NI-NL, welcomed the sponsorship from Ulster Bank. “With international banking experience, local expertise and networks throughout Northern Ireland and the Netherlands, Ulster Bank is an invaluable asset to companies active in the region. Similarly to Ulster Bank, NI-NL stimulates, facilitates and supports SMEs in developing their international trade links,” Steve added.

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, said “Our export programmes in the Netherlands are among the most popular and successful events in our annual Trade Calendar. Many smaller companies in particular have gained tremendous experience and confidence from working with us in this important and very open marketplace and have used the Netherlands as a successful springboard to other international markets.”

Alderman Paul Porter, Mayor of Lisburn said “As the only local Council in Northern Ireland to be part of this exciting trade network, and the only Council which has proactively and consistently supported local companies to explore new business opportunities in the Netherlands for the past nine years, Lisburn City Council is delighted to welcome Ulster Bank’s onboard as a new partner to NI-NL. The partnership can only bring additional benefits for all of those businesses already part of the NI-NL network, and to local business exploring the Netherlands for the first time”.